Contact: [email protected] December 2010, Issue 22
~ Medal of Honor ~
Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta Company B, 2d Battalion, 173d Airborne Brigade, 503rd Infantry Regiment
President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to 173d trooper SSG Sal Giunta during the award ceremony at the White House.
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2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 1 of 51 ~ Presentation of the Medal of Honor ~ THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Please Mike Mullen. Where’s Mike? There he is, right there. be seated. On behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome Army Secretary John McHugh; and Chief of Staff of the to the White House. Thank you, Chaplain Carver, for Army, General George Casey. that beautiful invocation. We are especially honored to be joined by Staff Of all the privileges that come with serving as President Sergeant Giunta’s fellow soldiers, his teammates and of the United States, I have none greater than serving as brothers from Battle Company, 2d of the 503d of the Commander-in-Chief of the finest military that the 173d Airborne Brigade; and several members of that world has ever known. And of all the military rarest of fraternities that now welcomes him into its decorations that a President and a nation can bestow, ranks -- the Medal of Honor Society. Please give them a
there is none higher than the Medal of Honor. big round of applause.
Today is particularly special. Since the end of the Vietnam War, the Medal of Honor has been awarded nine times for conspicuous gallantry in an ongoing or recent conflict. Sadly, our nation has been unable to present this decoration to the recipients themselves, because each gave his life -- his last full measure of devotion -- for our country. Indeed, as President, I have presented the Medal of Honor three times -- and each time to the families of a fallen hero.
Today, therefore, marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the recipient of the Medal of Honor for an ongoing conflict has been able to come to the White House and accept this recognition in person. It is my privilege to present our nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, to a soldier as humble as he is heroic: Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta. During invocation.
Now, I’m going to go off-script here for a second and We also welcome the friends and family who made Staff just say I really like this guy. I think anybody -- we all Sergeant Giunta into the man that he is, including his just get a sense of people and who they are, and when lovely wife, Jenny; and his parents, Steven and you meet Sal and you meet his family, you are just Rosemary; as well as his siblings, who are here. It was absolutely convinced that this is what America is all his mother, after all, who apparently taught him as a about. And it just makes you proud. And so this is a young boy in small-town Iowa how to remove the joyous occasion for me – something that I have been screen from his bedroom window in case of fire. What looking forward to. she didn’t know was that by teaching Sal how to jump from his bedroom and sneaking off in the dead of night, The Medal of Honor reflects the gratitude of an entire she was unleashing a future paratrooper who would nation. So we are also joined here today by several one day fight in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan members of Congress, including both senators and 7,000 miles away. several representatives from Staff Sergeant Giunta’s home state of Iowa. We are also joined by leaders from (continued….) across my administration and the Department of Defense, including the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 2 of 51 During the first of his two tours of duty in Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Giunta was forced early on to come to terms with the loss of comrades and friends. His team leader at the time gave him a piece of advice:
“You just try -- you just got to try to do everything you can when it’s your time to do it.” You’ve just got to try to do everything you can when it’s your time to do it.
Salvatore Giunta’s time came on October 25, 2007. He was a Specialist then, just 22 years old.
Sal and his platoon were several days into a mission in the Korengal Valley -- the most dangerous valley in Sal‟s buddies. northeast Afghanistan. The moon was full. The light it cast was enough to travel by without using their night- As another soldier tended to his wounds, Sal sprinted vision goggles. ahead, at every step meeting relentless enemy fire with his own. He crested a hill alone, with no cover but the With heavy gear on their backs, and air support dust kicked up by the storm of bullets still biting into the overhead, they made their way single file down a rocky ground. There, he saw a chilling sight: the silhouettes ridge crest, along terrain so steep that sliding was of two insurgents carrying the other wounded American sometimes easier than walking. away -- who happened to be one of Sal’s best friends. Sal never broke stride. He leapt forward. He They hadn’t traveled a quarter mile before the silence took aim. He killed one of the insurgents and wounded was shattered. It was an ambush, so close that the the other, who ran off. cracks of the guns and the whizz of the bullets were simultaneous. Tracer fire hammered the ridge at Sal found his friend alive, but badly wounded. Sal had hundreds of rounds per minute -- “more,” Sal said later, saved him from the enemy -- now he had to try to save “than the stars in the sky.” his life. Even as bullets impacted all around him, Sal grabbed his friend by the vest and dragged him to The Apache gunships above saw it all, but couldn’t cover. For nearly half an hour, Sal worked to stop the engage with the enemy so close to our soldiers. The bleeding and help his friend breathe until the MEDEVAC next platoon heard the shooting, but were too far away arrived to lift the wounded from the ridge. American to join the fight in time. gunships worked to clear the enemy from the hills. And And the two lead men were hit by enemy fire and with the battle over, First Platoon picked up their gear knocked down instantly. When the third was struck in and resumed their march through the valley. They the helmet and fell to the ground, Sal charged headlong continued their mission. into the wall of bullets to pull him to safety behind what It had been as intense and violent a firefight as any little cover there was. As he did, Sal was hit twice -- one soldier will experience. By the time it was finished, round slamming into his body armor, the other every member of First Platoon had shrapnel or a bullet shattering a weapon across his back. hole in their gear. Five were wounded. And two gave They were pinned down, and two wounded Americans their lives: Sal’s friend, Sergeant Joshua C. Brennan, still lay up ahead. So Sal and his comrades regrouped and the platoon medic, Specialist Hugo V. Mendoza. and counterattacked. They threw grenades, using the Now, the parents of Joshua and Hugo are here explosions as cover to run forward, shooting at the today. And I know that there are no words that, even muzzle flashes still erupting from the trees. Then they three years later, can ease the ache in your hearts or did it again. And again. Throwing grenades, charging repay the debt that America owes to you. ahead. Finally, they reached one of their men. He’d been shot twice in the leg, but he had kept returning (continued….) fire until his gun jammed. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 3 of 51 But on behalf of a grateful nation, let me express they volunteered. In an era when it’s never been more profound thanks to your sons’ service and their tempting to chase personal ambition or narrow self- sacrifice. And could the parents of Joshua and Hugo interest, they chose the opposite. They felt a tug; they please stand briefly? answered a call; they said, “I’ll go.” And for the better part of a decade, they have endured tour after tour in Now, I already mentioned I like this guy, Sal. And as I distant and difficult places; they have protected us from found out myself when I first spoke with him on the danger; they have given others the opportunity to earn phone and when we met in the Oval Office today, he is a better and more secure life. a low-key guy, a humble guy, and he doesn’t seek the limelight. And he’ll tell you that he didn’t do anything special; that he was just doing his job; that any of his brothers in the unit would do the same thing. In fact, he just lived up to what his team leader instructed him to do years before: “You do everything you can.”
Staff Sergeant Giunta, repeatedly and without hesitation, you charged forward through extreme enemy fire, embodying the warrior ethos that says, “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Your actions disrupted a devastating ambush before it could claim more lives. Your courage prevented the capture of an American soldier and “I really like this guy.” President Obama brought that soldier back to his family. You may believe that you don’t deserve this honor, but it was your fellow They are the courageous men and women serving in soldiers who recommended you for it. In fact, your Afghanistan even as we speak. They keep clear focus on commander specifically said in his recommendation their mission: to deny safe haven for terrorists who that you lived up to the standards of the most would attack our country, to break the back of the decorated American soldier of World War II, Audie Taliban insurgency, to build the Afghans’ capacity to Murphy, who famously repelled an over- whelming defend themselves. enemy attack by himself for one simple reason: “They They possess the steely resolve to see their mission were killing my friends.” through. They are made of the same strong stuff as the That’s why Salvatore Giunta risked his life for his fellow troops in this room, and I am absolutely confident that soldiers -- because they would risk their lives for they will continue to succeed in the missions that we him. That’s what fueled his bravery -- not just the give them, in Afghanistan and beyond. urgent impulse to have their backs, but the absolute After all, our brave servicemen and women and their confidence that they had his. One of them, Sal has said families have done everything they’ve been asked to -- of these young men that he was with, he said, do. They have been everything that we have asked “They are just as much of me as I am.” them to be. “If I am a hero,” Sal has said, “then So I would ask Sal’s team, all of Battle Company who every man who stands around me, every were with him that day, to please stand and be woman in the military, every person who recognized as well. Gentlemen, thank you for your And he’s right. service. We’re all in your debt. And I’m proud to be defends this country is.” your Commander-in-Chief. (continued….) These are the soldiers of our Armed Forces. Highly trained. Battle-hardened. Each with specialized roles 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 and responsibilities, but all with one thing in common -- Page 4 of 51 This medal today is a testament to his uncommon valor, navigating through harsh terrain when they were but also to the parents and the community that raised ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated him; the military that trained him; and all the men and insurgent force. women who served by his side. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta All of them deserve our enduring thanks and gratitude. immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the They represent a small fraction of the American enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen, and population, but they and the families who await their believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta safe return carry far more than their fair share of our exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced burden. They fight halfway around the globe, but they towards his squad leader, helped him to cover and do it in hopes that our children and our grandchildren administered medical aid. won’t have to. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Special They are the very best part of us. They are our friends, Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. With- our family, our neighbors, our classmates, our out regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta coworkers. They are why our banner still waves, our engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing founding principles still shine, and our country -- the grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to United States of America -- still stands as a force for conceal his position. good all over the world. So, please join me in welcoming Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta for the Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers reading of the citation. who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward, and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative.
As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security.
Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, Reverend Carver. selflessness and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability MILITARY AIDE: The President of the United States of to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow America, authorized by act of Congress, March 3, 1863, American soldier from the enemy. has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to then Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta, United Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism States Army. and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of Battalion Airborne, 503d Infantry Regiment and the his life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action, United States Army. with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. Photos: J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press; Win McNamee Getty Images; Department of Defense. While conducting a patrol as team leader, with Company B, 2d Battalion Airborne, 503d Infantry 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were Page 5 of 51 TO SSG SAL GIUNTA SSG Giunta: Wishing you CONGRATULATIONS and a big THANK YOU for your service to your country and FROM VIETNAM & WWII ERA especially for your service to your follow troopers. In VETS OF THE 173d & 503d ABN times like those, no man thinks about what he is going to do, he just acts. As a decorated Combat Veteran of the SSG Giunta: On behalf of the President and members Vietnam war, I can appreciate your feelings of “just of Chapter 27 Southern States AUSTRALIA 173d Abn doing your job" as that is all anyone can do. A wise man Bde we congratulate you on your honour and thank you once said, “There are no extraordinary men, just for your service. May your God keep you and yours safe extraordinary circumstances that made ordinary men and happy. AIRBORNE. react in extraordinary ways.” Wear the MOH proudly John Arnold, Chapter Secretary because you were not 'given' it, you EARNED IT by 1RAR your extraordinary actions! Sincerely yours, SSG Sal Giunta, B/2/503d: Congratulations on Gary 'Buzz' Cox, SGT receiving your Medal of Honor. Best of luck in the C/D/2/503d, ‟67-‟68 future. Regards, John Barr Howdy Sal: Congratulations on your MOH. It was a B Coy, 1RAR, ‟65-‟66 honor to meet you in Columbia Falls. Hopefully we will meet again someday under happier circumstances. Your Dear SSG Giunta: After reading the account of your humbleness and dignity are a great inspiration for all. If service, listening to the comments of your brother you‘re ever back in Montana, you and yours are always troopers and watching the way you conducted yourself welcome at our fire. God Bless. All The Way. during your interviews, I can only say what a credit you SGT Carl (Mike) Carver, SGT are to your Family, Country, Unit and brothers in arms. B/2/503d I look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you at a future 173d convention so I may have the honor of SSG Sal Giunta: I watched and recorded when President shaking your hand. Airborne All The Way: Obama awarded the MEDAL OF HONOR to you. I Robert Beemer, SGT stood tall (5'6" frame) with pride and honor, tears for the B/2/503d, ‟67-‟68 families, for what they had to endure and sacrifice their sons. Airborne! Thank You and the "HERD" for meeting the Obstacles head on. The 173d is carrying the tradition. Jaime (Jimmy) Castillo, SP4 C/2/503d, ‟66-‟67
Please accept our congratulations on your award of the Medal of Honor. You are upholding the traditions of the 173d. From all the Aussie Veterans and Members of Chapter XI Downunder in Australia. Sal Cheeseman 1RAR
I would like to thank you for your efforts to save fellow soldiers. I‘m extremely proud of you and the fact that Reception at White House following MOH presentation you represented our unit in a time of conflict. Your courageous actions are what it takes to receive this MOH SSG Giunta: Congratulation on your award. award. I‘m sure that you feel as though there are others Bill Bennett and Family that deserve the same recognition…but the fact is that 1 Troop PWLH, 1RAR someone noticed that you preformed your job in an exemplary way. Airborne!! Sergeant Giunta: You make us all proud to be Harry Cleland, SP4 Americans and I'm especially proud to have served with B/2/503d, ‟66-‟67 "B" Company "Bravo Bulls" 2/503 173d Airborne in the Republic of Vietnam in 1965. "B" company has (continued….) produced some of the greatest warriors of all time. Thank you, Bryan Bowley, SSG 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 B/2/503d, „65 Page 6 of 51 Dear Sal: Congratulations on your recent award. You be a Sky Soldier. We wish you all that life can for your are now a member of an elite group of fighting men that deeds of Heroism. It takes one tough brother to do what our nation deems worthy to honor as its bravest. I you have done. It's admirable Sal. If you ever want to especially want to thank you for your service and the visit Oz, we're ‗ere mate!! I live in a little place called great pride you bring to the 173d Airborne. Sincerely, Loch Sport in the State of Victoria. You can Google it if Roger Conley, SSG you type in 66 Wallaby St in Loch Sport. We have a bed H&S Battery, 3/319th Arty (ABN), ‟68-‟69 for you brother. A.B. Garcia SSG Giunta: Welcome home trooper! We are very HHC/2/503d, ‟65-‟66 proud of you and all of our troops in harm's way. We, the Vietnam era 173d Abn Bde 503d Abn INF veterans, understand and appreciate what you experienced and had to contend with. Well done and thank you very much. Dr. Tim Cloonan, COL Co B (Med) Spt Bat, „69
One hell of a job. Thanks for stopping something that could have been worse. Makes me proud to be part of the ―HERD‖. Roy Doster November Ranger, November Team ‟70-‟71 Sal with family and friends.
Dear SSG Giunta: Congratulations on earning the SSG Sal Giunta: Congratulations for accepting the Medal of Honor! The whole saga of B Company 2/503 MOH for what you did and for all the buddies you in Restrepo, their courage, skill and initiative against a served with that day. SP4 Al Rascon of the 1/503d is a dedicated enemy, are in the very best traditions of the name I'm sure you know. He was put in for the MOH 503d Airborne Infantry. Your particular reactions to the for his actions on 16 Mar 66 - the day I got shot down Taliban ambush that night in the Korengal have earned flying re-supply for the 2/503d. Had I run just a little the admiration of your squad and platoon mates and are later than I was running, the Bn would have saddled up an inspiration to Sky Soldiers everywhere. Airborne All and moved out and been promptly slaughtered by the the Way! 2,000 VC/NVA waiting for them. Al would not have George Dexter, COL been coming to our aid because there would have been Bn Cmdr, 2/503d, „65-„66 no one to aid. It would have been a massacre, Stuff sometimes works out. We had few KIAs but countless SSG Giunta, my name is Mark P. Dickinson, C Co {Sup. WIAs that day. It could have been a full blown Bn} 173d Abn Bde {Sep} 1963-66. I want to thank you massacre. Al did a wonderful job protecting his troops for being The man, Trooper and Brother you are and for while he provided medical aid to them. It took nearly 40 the extreme sacrifice you put forth for your fellow years for the paperwork to get through to the right troopers and dedication to your country and the 173d people to allow him to stand where you did the other day Airborne Brigade Combat Team. AIRBORNE!! God to receive your medal for yourself and all those who are Bless You and your family! always with you. Well done, son. You have the right Mark Dickinson attitude and you know that every buddy on every patrol C Co. Sup. Bn, 173d Abn Bde, ‟63-‟66 has a piece of that hardware. Thanks for receiving it for
them as well as for yourself. I agree with you when you said you were doing what Tony Geishauser, MAJ you were trained to do, that‘s what being a paratrooper Pilot, 173d Cowboys, ‟65-‟66 with the best is about. You‘re the man, run with it for all it‘s worth. Good luck, God bless, and thank you. Congratulations fellow Sky Solder and job well done. I Alton Fisher am very proud of you and you deserve the medal for A/3/503d, ‟70-‟71 what you did. I was the medic for Charlie Company 2/503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, SSG Sal Giunta: My congratulations upon this 1971. God bless you and your family. memorable occasion. Well Done. Airborne !! Ismael (Doc) Gonzales, SP5 Ken Gann C/2/503d, „71
105 Field Bty., Royal Australian Artillery, ‟65-‟66 (continued….) G'day Sal: From the other side of the world where I live, I am proud of you brother. I served with the Herd with 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 7 of 51 the 2/503d mortar platoon ‗65-‗66. I am very proud to Always remember PFC Dolby. Carry on the tradition. Rangers all the way – Airborne! James Henkels 2/503d
Congratulations! Sal, from a former B Co 2/503 3d platoon 3d squad Sky Soldier. You have made me extremely proud to have served in the 'Herd'. Your selfless display of bravery and non-self-promoting attitude after your award are truly the best our country can offer. B Co veterans do have an annual reunion and I hope that you may attend sometime in the future. I wish you the best always. James Allen Jackson, SP4 Bravo Bull, ‟65-‟66
Warmest congratulations to a great soldier. You are the second (or perhaps third) Bravo Bull to have been awarded the MOH. All of us are real proud of you. Sincerely, Ken Kaplan, LTC B/2/503d, „66-„67 Sal with wife, Jenny, at 173d reception. SSG Sal Giunta: You are correct in your assessment that SSG Giunta: Your selfless actions exemplify the quality many heroic acts go unrecognized. But it is always great and leadership of the U.S. Army's Non-Commissioned to see that some are. Congratulation on a job well done. Officer Corps and, in particular, those of the Airborne Stu Kumasaka, SP4 community. Your actions set the example for our young HHC/2/503d, Recon, ‟65-‟66 Sky Soldiers who will become tomorrow's small unit leaders. Congratulations and all the best in your future Dear SSG Giunta: First I want to thank you for your endeavors. service. I appreciate what you did for the others in your Bernard Griffard, Cdr, COL unit. I salute you in being singled out as a recipient of B/2/503d & Bn Staff, ‟67-‟69 the Medal of Honor. Wear it proudly, never dishonor it. Don MacCuish, LTC Congratulations SSG Giunta on a job well done beyond B/3/503d, ‟69-‟70 the call of duty. Your bravery and the examples of bravery set by all MOH recipients of the 173d make me humbly proud to have been a member of this prestigious brigade. Thanks for continuing the tradition. Earle Graham, SSG
A/2/503d, ‟67-‟68
SSG Sal Giunta: Congratulations on your award of the Medal Of Honor. The last living Medal of Honor recipient I knew personally was SSG Charles Morris A/2/503d, 173d Airborne. To see you receive the MOH made me so proud to be in B/2/503d 1966-67. You have made all of your fellow paratroopers proud and honored. Your Bravery and Courage will set the example for all. Thank you and may God Bless You and Protect you. Respectfully, David “Griff” Griffin, SGT B/HHC/2/503d , ‟66-„67 B/2/503d trooper Ed Kearney & lovely bride, Joyce, at reception. Thanks Ed for all the great photos. SSG Sal Giunta: Congratulations and best wishes on the (continued….) next phase of your Army career. Jim Grimshaw, CPT 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 D/2/503d, ‟68-‟69 Page 8 of 51
The President of the United States said "I like him," and MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. so do I. SSG Sal Giunta, MOH you and your wife Always, represent what it‘s all about. Australia and the United Ted Mobley, SGT States have fought alongside each other since the First HHC/2/503d, ‟65-‟66 world War. You make us all proud that the tradition continues. God bless you both and America. Peter Mackie, WO1 rtd 1RAR (Aust Log Sup Coy) ‟65-„66
Sal, just a note of appreciation for your exemplary conduct under fire which has inspired many of us who at one time were also in the crucible of war. Thank you for your efforts to bring your men back, dead or alive. For me personally, I can identify with the gratitude of the parents of the trooper who you rescued from the hands of the insurgents. My Brother Julian E. Marquez was KIA on the 15th of Feb. 1971 in Vietnam. His body and those of two others who fell in the same action laid in front of an enemy position for three days Dave Glick, Sal Giunta & Mike Broderick of attempts before they could be reclaimed by their Sal: I saw your interview on "Colbert" Friday 19 June. comrades. Two more were wounded in the final Didn't hear much. Was too busy yelling things like successful effort. But I had the privilege of thanking "Airborne!" and "the Rock!" Congratulations. Proud of some of those same men this past May for bringing us "The Herd." back our dead and allowing us the opportunity to bury Ken Minehan, Chapter XXIII them. The loss was great, but would have been greater 1 RAR Group, ‟65-‟66 had you not risked your own life to defend your fallen brother in arms from the savagery of the enemy. Though Sal Giunta: "Congratulations" just doesn't seem to be you failed to save his life, you did spare his family from the correct word. I can't think of a word in the English the uncertainty, or worse, the desecration of their loved language that describes my thoughts when I read your one. May God grant you peace in that you did your duty MOH citation. God bless you Sal. and more. And by doing so honored those with whom Jim Mullaney you served, your nation, and those of us who have been Company H, 503rd PRCT, WWII in the position to know the sense of loss mingled with pride that combat casualties inflicts. Our lives are but SSG Giunta: Congratulations on earning the Medal of for a moment, while what we do or leave undone will Honor. You epitomize the true Sky Soldier spirit by echo down through eternity. accepting this award in honor of your fallen comrades Joe Marquez for they too are true heroes. Thank you for representing C/1/503d,'69 N/75th, Juliet,'70 A/2/503d, '70 Chaplain the 503d Infantry and the 173d Airborne Brigade with
distinction and humility. We are all proud of you. SSG Giunta ―Airborne All The Way." Airborne, All the Way. David Maxey, SGT Gerard "Butch" Nery, Jr., COL B/HHC/2/503d, ‟67-‟69 A/4/504d; E/4/503d & N/75th Rangers, „70
Stand proud, lead the way, wear your Honor for those Sal: Here's another thank you to add to the countless who cannot. Reflect well what you can, but you are here congratulations you've gotten. I knew your B Company where the memories fade with time. Guide those MOH predecessor, Milton Olive. We fought together in soldiers you may encounter with the leadership you Vietnam. There's always been something special about possess. Thank you for being the person you are. Hold the company, the regiment, the battalion, and, of course, your Family close and cherish each and every day. the 173d Airborne Brigade that can't be adequately Eldon Meade explained to others. C/3/503d, „70 Larry Paladino, SGT B/2/503d, ‟65-‟66 SSG Giunta: Simple words cannot describe how proud (continued….) and humble you made me feel when you received the award that you so truly deserve. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 9 of 51 Sal: It was an honor for Me to see you on TV and hear Congratulations Sal! You have made all of us very proud your "definition" of a soldier. You make the title of a to have served in 2/503. Every time I mention having soldier honorable. As a Vietnam vet it‘s an honor for served in the same unit you are in I get the "yeah right". Me to count you in our brotherhood. And, you can stand Even though I'm in my 70s and you in your 20s. The assured that every Nam Vet has your "6". uninitiated just don't understand the Brotherhood of the Jose Perez Ortiz, SFC 173d! My best to you and your family!
D/16 Armor, ‟68-‟69 Ed Privette, MAJ HHC/2/503d, „67-„68 I would like to take this opportunity in congratulating SSG Sal Giunta B/2/503d on his well-deserved Medal of Dear SSG Sal Giunta: I would like to congratulate you Honor. All us boys over here in Aussie Land are so on being awarded the Medal of Honor. Your actions Proud when one of our own receives any sort of praise in hold up the courage and traditions that the 173d Abn the line of duty, so I know I speak for all our boys in Bde (Sep) has been known for. The courage, honor and sending best wishes. Take care and God Bless you all. the selfless act you showed that day surely shows what Jack Panossian, Pte kind of Non-Commissioned Officer you are. You are a 1st Bn, Royal Australian Reg. [1RAR], ‟65-‟66 & ‟68-‟69 true American Patriot and Soldier. “ALL THE WAY!” Thomas Quinn, CSM SSG Giunta: Thank you for your courage and Casper Aviation Platoon dedication to a fellow Sky Soldier and personal HHC, 173d ABN BDE, ‟69-‟72 friend. Brothers like you are the epitome of what it means to be a "Herd" member. Continued success in San Diego 173d Airborne Association Chapter 28 sends your future, and forever "Airborne!" their congratulations to SSG Sal Giunta. Ed Perkins, MSG Gilbert Reynoso, SP4 Recon/A/2/503d, ‟67-'68 C/3/503d, „67-„68 & 82nd Abn B/2/505th President, 173d Chap. 28 Sal: You brought great pleasure to me to see another soldier of Company B/2/503 be awarded the Medal of Honor. I was there the day Milton Olive died, and have been to his grave. From this day forward, your life has forever changed. It will be not only an honor, but a burden, as you must carry all of us with you! We are your brothers in combat, and know the depths of this award as no others. God Bless you and yours.. and our soldiers. Jack Price, CPT B/2/503d, ‟65-‟66
SSG Sal Giunta: American soldiers are the truest reflection of the patriotic nature of a country that is exceptional in its continuing quest for individual liberty. Unlike any other nation or empire on earth, throughout time, America has delivered on her promise to keep its people free. On a lonely ridge overlooking a remote valley, in a country time has passed by, you risked your life to rescue a wounded paratrooper – a man who was a member of your squad – your dearest friend. As time goes by you will find that this night, and this firefight will echo as if an episode your soul most treasures. Cherish this memory for it is yours alone. Wear your Medal of Honor with gusto, as if representing the valor COL William Ostlund and SSG Sal Giunta of paratroopers from Corregidor, Normandy, Korea, at 173d reception in Washington, DC. Vietnam, and on to Iraq and Afghanistan. Your humble nature bodes well, for you have lost far more than you have gained. Stand tall, SSGT Sal Giunta…we of the (continued….) 2nd Battalion are proud of you. Gary Prisk, CPT C/D/2/503d, ‟67-‟68 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22
Page 10 of 51 Medal of Honor recipient SSG Salvatore A. Giunta at White House….we all like this guy.
Sal: Congrats on your award. I read the documentary history. You need not hear any more accolades that, that‘s been circulating throughout our Herd emailing, the although, well-meaning do not comfort the loss of one from 60 Minutes. I‘m a combat vet from Vietnam, brothers, the shoulda coulda's or the intrusive Purple Heart, proud to say and proud to have served with thoughts...or when you venture to that secret quiet place MOH recipient Charlie Morris, and Airborne All the that only you can go for refuge. I will remind you...in a Way. God bless you and yours. Welcome Home, quiet way...You kept the E'spirit and the silent legacy of Jack Ribera, PFC uncommon courage that is common among the 173d, No Deros Alpha 2/503d, „66 and to which we, Paratroopers, hear echoing from famous battles and no name places in distant Pacific Dear SSG Giunta: I was moved by your CBS 60 jungles, South East Asian triple canopied mountains, Minutes interview. Courage comes to those willing to Mid-East deserts, and the Hindu Kush valleys. That is receive it when others need it most. You are a man of what I hear in your words...I see in your eyes...and your courage and a member of our brotherhood of combat bearing. I am honored that you kept that Legacy and veterans. I served as a grunt and artillery observer in the E'spirit under a high degree of stress and at a point in 2/503d during Vietnam. You bring honor to us all past, time when you were most needed by your cohorts...and present and future. Welcome home brother. then continued the mission. Thank You!... For keeping Congratulations on your award and for a job well done. the E'spirit and the Legacy of the 2nd Battalion 503rd Respectfully, Abn Inf and the 173d ABN Brigade. Again, Thank you! George Rivera, SGT In the simple words of an Airborne Trooper, E/2/503d Tome Roubideaux, DSW SSG Sal Giunta; There among the 503rd Abn Inf LRRP/2/503d, 173d LRRP Plt/74th Inf Det., 75th Rgrs.
Regiment, 173d Abn Bde (SEP) Vietnam Combat (continued….) Veterans are those of us who understand your thoughts....your words...and your actions on that ever 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 present night... now in the fading distance in time and Page 11 of 51 other military who have served over the years with little or no recognition. But seeing you honored, we all stand a bit prouder, quietly sharing in those honors and appreciating your modesty in sharing attention. Airborne!.... and may St. Michael, patron saint of paratroopers watch over you and your family. Mike Switzer, LT/Platoon Leader C/3/503d, „68-„69
SSG Sal Giunta: Congratulations on your recent reception of the Medal of Honor. Watching you receive the award made me proud. Proud, not only because I served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) and Charlie Company 75th Airborne Rangers Sal‟s buddies, troopers all. during the Vietnam War, but proud of you, and for you. You accepted our nation‘s highest Sal: I watched with great interest and pride during the medal for heroism with honor, dignity, humility and presentation of your Medal of Honor. Being retired selflessness, all attributes of a true warrior hero. You now, I was able to watch it live on CNN. Your make us old Sky Soldiers proud. I know you will go personality, humility, and determination comes through forth into the future utilizing this great honor, that you so just watching you. I can see why the President said that justly earned, not for self-glory, but as a means to he really liked you. I know that this is all very difficult continue to help your brother and sister warriors and our for you….and even though you "only" did what was nation as a whole. God‘s speed young warrior. expected of you, it was truly amazing and worthy of Airborne!! recognition. Yes, you do wear that medal for all the men Jerry 'Rocky' Stone B/4/503 & C/75th Rangers, ‟67-‟70 who were with you that day. But even more, you wear that medal for all of us who served with the 173d SSG Sal Giunta: I would like to congratulate you for Airborne. You exemplify the spirit of the Airborne and having been awarded the Medal of Honor. The Third the glorious history of the 173d. We are all with you, Herd, forever… and support you. I hope to meet you someday. Until James Thomas, SFC then, Airborne! D/2/503d, ‟67-„69 Jerry Sopko, SGT D/4/503d, ‟69-‟70 I am proud of you Sergeant Giunta. If I can ever help you in your career, please don‘t hesitate in contacting SSG Sal Giunta: I am honored to be able to send this me. My son is also airborne and currently serving in congratulatory note to you on the occasion of your Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. I was with award of the Medal of Honor. Your actions have the Herd in Vietnam, 1969. Airborne all the way! brought great credit to the 173d, one of the finest units in Dave Tong, PFC the history of the US Army. God Bless the USA. B/4/503d, „69 George Stapleton, COL Commanding Officer, 3/503d, VN Congratulations, I know you accept this for your comrades, but please do not let that bother you more Very proud to have you as a brother of the "Herd." than you can deal with, they all still walk with you in Welcome Home. peace not anger. Jim Stephens Frank Vans Evers B/3/319th, ‟67-‟68 173d LRRP, ‟66-‟67 (continued….) SSG Giunta: We know you are embarrassed by the attention and adulation being heaped on you right now. It will of course fade with time, but as long as it 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 lasts you know that you are serving as point-man/flag Page 12 of 51 bearer who is the delegate of all the Sky Soldiers and
Bravo Bulls back row L-R: Bob Warfield, Mike Broderick, 173d Brigade Commander Bill Ostlund, Phil Farrow. Barry Herbison, Battle Company SSG Sal Giunta, Jim Robinson and Roy Lombardo. Front row L-R: Ed Kearney, Jack Price, Dave Glick and Joe Logan.
Dear Sal: I'm sure it's hard to accept that under such taking names!! Your bravery has done wonders for we terrible circumstances you are the recipient of such an older generation of "war fighters" from the Herd back in honor. We're all very proud of you, the honor that has Nam. been bestowed upon you; and the manner in which you Rich Whipple, SGT accepted it makes us all proud to have been a part of the HHC/2/503d, ‟68-‟69 173d. Best wishes for your continued success in whatever you choose to do. Dave von Reyn, SP4 C/2/503d, ‟68-‟69
SSG Sal Giunta: I watched your interview today on Fox News. As a fellow Soldier I am amazed. I witnessed the real SSGT Giunta on TV today and I like you as a person and admire you as a Soldier. Keep up the good work. AIRBORNE! Jerry Wiles, SGT B/2/503d, „67
SSG Giunta: Thanks for your service, and your acts of bravery refusing to be defeated by the Taliban. You've made us all proud, especially a fellow 2nd Battalion / 503d Infantry soldier. With all of the Marine hoopla, it is so encouraging to see the Herd is kicking tail and 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 13 of 51
ROY S. LOMBARDO, JR., COL (Ret) Commanding Officer, B/2/503d Republic of Vietnam
Dear Fellow Sky Soldiers & Friends of the 173d Airborne:
I am writing to thank you for your help in financing the BRAVO BULL MEDAL OF HONOR CEREMONY for SSG Sal Giunta on 16 November. Following the presentation at the White House, SSG Giunta, his family and the families of Josh Brennan and Hugh Mendoza (both KIA), Sky Soldiers from BATTLE Company of today and my fellow veterans of yesteryear (Bravo Bulls, 2/503d) assembled to remember the paratroopers that we marched among and to honor SSG Giunta‘s bravery. We were joined by other current Sky Soldiers and friends of the Giunta‘s until the total exceeded 400.
To celebrate, the Bravo Bulls use our unique silver and gold punchbowl and engraved cups, one for each of our absent companions. Uniquely, the Bravo Bulls Ranger Roy presiding over ceremonies of ‘65 – ‘66 included Milton Olive, the first MOH recipient from B/2/503, and 4 DSC recipients (Davis, Edwards, Lopez and Gipson). We have been connected with the men of BATTLE Company since 2004 when they returned from the parachute assault into Iraq. Each year we visit them in Vicenza to welcome them home and one year later to send them forward under St. Michael‘s over-watch back to Afghanistan.
This reception mission was a tough one because we didn‘t have any control over the attendance of the families, which were large. Nevertheless, with the help of you, veteran Sky Soldiers, and other patriotic Americans, we are amassing enough to settle the cost for the reception.
BDQ Roy & Sal Giunta
We can rest easy that another major assault has been successfully dealt with due to your generosity. No active duty soldier paid a penny, which is only how it should be because they have already given so much.
Thanks again. You and yours remain in my daily prayers! Wife Jenny and guests toast 173d Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta.
Fondest Airborne regards, Roy. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 14 of 51 A Gift for All Ages: So it was with the birth of Jesus. Eighteen centuries before, who would have cared about the birth of a baby The Significance of the laid in a cattle trough in a drafty cave when the entire Seemingly Insignificant world was watching Rome in all of her splendor? Bound on the west by the Atlantic, on the east by the Euphrates, Dr. Ronald Reese Smith on the north by the Rhine and Danube and on the south 1LT, FO, B/2/503d, 3/319th by the Sahara Desert, the Roman Empire was as vast as [email protected] it was vicious. All eyes were on Augustus Caesar who demanded a census of the entire Roman world in order In the early 19th century, a war- that he might determine a measurement to enlarge taxes. weary world was anxiously watching LT Ron What could possibly be more important than Caesar's the march of Napoleon as he swept across decisions in Rome? Who cared about a baby born to a helpless hamlets like fire across a Kansas wheat field. poor carpenter and his betrothed from the insignificant Nothing else was half as significant on the international little village of Nazareth? (Nazareth was so insignificant scene. The broad brush strokes of the historian's canvas it was never listed among the cities and towns of Israel). gave singular emphasis to the bloody scenes of tyranny The Bethlehem crowds had no inkling that the Son of created by that brilliant but diminutive dictator of God was asleep in their little town. Indeed, only a few France. shepherds came to see him, and they left, glorifying
In 1809, somewhere between the battles of Trafalgar and God.
Waterloo, babies were being born all over Europe and Apparently, God did. It is doubtful that Augustus America. Caesar realized that he was sent from central casting -- an errand boy for the fulfillment of Micah's prediction, a William Gladstone was born in pawn in the hand of God, a piece of lint on the pages of Liverpool, England; prophecy. Alfred Lloyd Tennyson was born in Somersby, England; For the first time in history since the Tower of Babel, the Oliver Wendell Holmes drew his first entire world spoke the same language -- Koine Greek -- breath in Cambridge, Massachusetts; the business language of the world -- thanks to our friend Edgar Allen Poe, a few miles away in Alexander the Great. When Alexander conquered the Boston, started his brief and tragic life; then-known world 330 years before the birth of Christ, Felix Mendelssohn was born in his methodology for governing his conquest was simple: Hamburg, Germany; Hellenize it! He commanded soldiers to settle down, A physician named Darwin and his wife marry the local girls, teach them Greek art, Greek called their infant son, Charles Robert. culture, Greek philosophy, and, of course, the Greek language. Robert Charles Winthrop wore his first diapers. Later, the Romans brought their contribution. For the first time in history the entire known world was at peace America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was born in and enjoyed the Pax Romana. Not only did the Apostles Hodgenville, Hardin County, Kentucky to an illiterate, have freedom of movement through the entire world to wandering laborer in a rugged log cabin. share the good news of God's arrival, but also, thanks to the Romans, they had roads on which to travel. Some of All of that (and a lot more) happened in 1809 -- but who those roads, such as the Appian Way, are still in cared? The destiny of the world seemed to be shaped on existence, and in some places in Italy, still in use. It's the battlefields in Austria -- or was it? Now, 202 years doubtful that Alexander or any of the Caesars ever later, is there the slightest doubt about which made the realized that they were instruments in the hand of God to greatest contribution in history -- those battles or those prepare the world to learn of the greatest story ever told. babies? It is doubtful anyone other than a handful of While Rome was busy making history, Jesus Christ history buffs could name even one Austrian campaign. arrived. He pitched his tent in silence on straw, in a But, who can measure the impact of those other lives? drafty cave, under a star. And the world did not even What appeared to be super significant to the world has notice – did not even notice Mary‘s little lamb. proven to be no more exciting than a Sunday afternoon yawn. What seemed to be totally insignificant was, in (continued….) fact, the genesis of a new era. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 15 of 51 Yes, indeed! What appeared to be super significant to For many months that Geronimo trooper did just that, the world has proven to be no more exciting than a and as far as I can tell, did a damn good job of it too. Sunday afternoon yawn. What seemed to be totally We never received a single complaint, and, lightning hit insignificant was, in fact, the genesis of a new era. my house only once….no shit.
While Jesus Christ stood on the threshold of heaven, In spite of the uplifting sermons Mac shared with us, I stepped across the universe and took on humanity, wanted a 2nd Batt preacher to fill that slot, and we have becoming the unique God-man--both fully God and fully many within our ranks. After finding Bravo Bull LT man – while born into the world as all of the rest of us; Ron living nearby in Orlando, I invited him to take the he did not stay a baby. He grew in favor with both man holy reins, and Mac stepped aside as the gentleman he is. and God. He came into this war-torn world of For the past many months Ron too has shared words of selfishness and sin for one purpose--to die as a sacrifice glory and grace and the hereafter with nary a complaint for our sin. The forgiveness he offers will satisfy the from the troops; more importantly, the house here hasn‘t deepest needs of our hearts. Truly, Jesus is a gift of all once been struck by lightning since Mac took his leave. ages. No gift is more needed by a dying world than the Now, I‘m not saying god doesn‘t like the 4th Batt…. life-giving Savior, Jesus Christ. He and He alone gives It‘s reported about 85% of Americans believe in meaning and purpose for living. Christianity or some like faith, meaning an equal number As young men, and women, we all suited up and of you share such beliefs; but that leaves me and the marched off to war -- some to the war that was supposed other 15% as godless heathens, friendly like, but still to end all wars; some to a war that was called "a heathens. We‘re the agnostics and atheists or, in my conflict‖ on the Korean Peninsula. Many of us went off case, secular humanists….the non-believer soldiers. I to southeast Asia and Vietnam, and more recently, the once asked Mac if I should include an “Atheist‟s countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. We've all done so in Corner” in our newsletter, he said, “You better not.” the service of our country and with the hope and intent So, I didn‘t. that our service and sacrifice would bring about a greater While not agreeing with followers of Christ and Buddha peace. While our service might have helped stabilize or and Allah, or Cao Dai for that matter, I certainly respect bring peace for a season, ultimately, real peace will everyone‘s right to their beliefs, however amusing they come when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, rules in our might seem at times. But, what I do question, and it hearts. You will experience peace, as only God can seems too often lately, is the hypocrisy demonstrated by give, as you yield your life to the Lordship of Jesus too many of these people of faith, these people of the Christ. He is still a ―gift for all the ages.‖ church, these believers in the teachings of the Bible – An object His grace….Ron sadly, this includes many of my soldier buddies.
Many rail about our black president, because he‘s black, ~ Editorial ~ poor people who are “taking away my hard earned Religion, Soldiers and Stuff money,” while they themselves are on the receiving end of government relief, unwilling to provide medical Upon undertaking the honor of producing our newsletter, coverage to all Americans as we send billions of dollars I looked at other old soldier newsletters to get an idea overseas to impoverished and war-torn lands (how dare what they were all about. Of the publications I they!), or demonizing other faiths out of misguided fear researched, without exception, each had a Chaplain‘s and ignorance, almost without exception these com- Corner or some section equally appropriately named plaints come from people who proclaim themselves to be where a man or woman of the cloth would share Christians. It makes me wonder sometimes, what does it uplifting words of glory and benevolence and the like. mean to be a Christian? After all, god and soldiering and war have been inseparable throughout the history of our country. Hell, A Sky Soldier buddy of mine, another Hell destined nations fight because of and over gods, and I certainly sinner, ends all his email messages with this note: didn‘t want to produce the first ever old soldier “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to newsletter without Him having a presence. the abundance of those who have much; it is whether After the first couple of trial editions, I went on a we provide enough for those who have too little.” FDR preacher man search and find mission. It really wasn‘t And, I‘m very disappointed with LT Ron for not once much of a mission as a very close friend was a retired mentioning Santa Claus in his Christmas message. I minister from Greybull, WY, a sniper who had served believe in Santa Claus, he brings me stuff. Smitty Out with the 4/503d, experienced in the glory stuff, and someone who knew god personally, Mike McMillan. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 “I‟ll be happy to,” Mac told me when I invited him to Page 16 of 51 fill the role of chaplain in our Chaplain‘s Corner.
National Infantry Museum Wins Prestigious Award
Thea Award recognizes excellence in the themed entertainment industry
The National Infantry Foundation is proud to announce the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park has been selected for a prestigious national award.
The 2010 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement "recognizes excellence in the creation of extraordinary visitor experiences, celebrating storytelling around the globe." It honors the creative partnerships formed between attraction owners and designers.
Boston-based Christopher Chadbourne and Associates designed the exhibits for the museum. Medal of Honor and provides visitors with a place The signature exhibit, called The Last 100 Yards, for contemplation. takes visitors on an emotional journey through the The Family Gallery, which honors the sacrifices history of the American Infantryman. It is built on a of spouses, parents and siblings of soldiers is 100-yard ramp that cuts through the center of believed to be unique among military museums. museum, representing the Infantry's role in taking the last 100 yards of the battle. Other key members of the project team include architects E. Verner Johnson and Associates, video producer Donna Lawrence Productions, exhibit fabricators Design Craftsmen, Inc., sculptors Studio EIS and project managers Newton Aaron and Associates.
The Thea Award is the Themed Entertainment Association's version of the Oscar. It will be presented to representatives of the National Infantry Museum at an awards gala in Hollywood next spring.
Six era galleries surround the museum's Grand Hall. The Hall of Valor is a striking, glass-walled 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 space that honors those who have earned the Page 17 of 51
CEREMONY HONORS chaplain of the 134th Chaplain Support Team in Blackstone. Veterans Day, he said, “is not a day to VETERANS celebrate war, but rather a day to celebrate peace. ... You enjoy the peace a veteran provides.” Monday, November 15, 2010 By Amanda Buck – Bulletin Staff Writer In his years with the military, Gilleran said he has seen that being a serviceman or woman “is a job like no The nation‟s veterans do not always other. It‟s difficult, dangerous, underpaid and under- receive the recognition and thanks they recognized.” Veterans understand what that job deserve, but that was not the case Sunday involves in a way civilians can‘t, he said. Veterans ―know what it‘s like‖ to be on patrol in Afghanistan, at Bassett High School. wondering if an IED (improvised explosive device) is about to go off, Gilleran said. They know what it‘s like to crawl through rice paddies or deserts ―with 100 pounds of gear strapped across your back,‖ or to crawl across beaches in the South Pacific during World War II or through snow banks in Korea.
Men and women in the military do “a thankless job that few people wanted,” and some, such as those who served in Vietnam, “were condemned for doing it,” Gilleran said.
“Veterans are the men and women who stepped forward,” he said. “Service of one‟s country indeed is the most honorable profession.”
Even when one war ends, he said, it doesn‘t mean another won‘t begin.
“Your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be called to stand as the first line of defense,” he told the audience. Those who answer — from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — keep Americans safe and make freedom possible, Joseph Ellison Jr. left was named Veteran of the Year and he said. Olaf Hurd, Jr. was given the Outstanding Military Veteran Award on Sunday during a Veterans Day David Kipfinger, commander of the Martinsville Henry ceremony at Bassett High School. Ellison served in County Veterans Honor Guard, recognized the veteran various locations during his time in the Army, including of the year, who is chosen annually by members of local Desert Storm. Hurd is a Vietnam veteran who served with veterans organizations. Ellison, this year‘s recipient, the 173d Airborne Brigade. served in the Army for 22 years, including a period in Veterans of numerous wars and peacetime missions Desert Storm. Five years ago, he joined American were honored during the annual community Veterans Legion Homer Dillard Post 78, and he is involved in a Day service. Three men — Lee C. Smith, Olaf Hurd, Jr. wide range of community activities, Kipfinger said. and Joseph Ellison, Jr. — received special recognition, Among them, Ellison goes into local schools and and many others were remembered by the crowd of mentors students. He works closely with the JROTC at about 200. Magna Vista High School and often takes veterans and others to doctor appointments, the grocery store or Veterans Day, held each year on Nov. 11, is a chance to anywhere else they need to go, Kipfinger said. honor veterans who serve their country and make freedom possible, said Lt. Col. David Gilleran, guest (continued….) speaker at the event. Gilleran, pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, has served two deployments in the war on terror and is commanding 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 18 of 51 Ellison is the fifth member of the Homer Dillard Post to All three men expressed their thanks for the honors and receive the Veteran of the Year award, said Commander were recognized with applause from the audience. Sonny Richardson. The post, which has 214 members, The Bassett High School JROTC presented and retired is particularly active and has received membership the colors, and the Bassett High School band performed awards for two years straight, Richardson said. a selection of military music. Kipfinger also recognized Smith, who received a certificate of appreciation. Smith, who is retired, worked as a service officer for 40 years, helping veterans receive Vietnam veterans reunited at event the benefits they deserve, Kipfinger said. Monday, November 15, 2010
By Amanda Buck – Bulletin Staff Writer “He knew the system inside and out,” Kipfinger said. “He helped many people.” Nearly 44 years have passed since the day Debra Buchanan, chairman of the Henry County Board Olaf Hurd, Jr. was wounded in a surprise of Supervisors, presented the second annual Outstanding attack in Vietnam. Military Veteran Award to Hurd, a Vietnam veteran. The award was established because “for too long, we have failed to properly recognize and thank the men and women of this community who served us in the various branches of the military,” Buchanan said.
This year‘s nomination process showed the board that ―we have many, many people in this community who have dedicated their lives to making our lives better. There is no nobler venture than that,‖ she said.
Although all the nominees were ―outstanding,‖ Buchanan said Hurd‘s history of service in the military and the community made him this year‘s recipient.
A member of the 173d Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, Hurd was paralyzed from the chest down after being wounded in the Mekong Delta. “But that didn‟t stop him,” Buchanan said, adding that Hurd went on to compete in numerous wheelchair sports and started the All American Handicapped Association in Jerry Hassler, right, takes a look at the plaque recognizing Martinsville and Henry County, “where he worked Olaf Hurd, left, as Outstanding Military Veteran. Hassler tirelessly to obtain adequate handicapped parking signs surprised Hurd with his visit. It was the first time they and curb cuts throughout the local area.” had seen each other in 43 years.
Hurd has been involved with numerous volunteer On Sunday, Hurd was ―dumbfounded‖ when he came activities and is a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church face to face for the first time with a friend who was with and the VFW Post 2820 of Bassett. He also “really, him that day in 1967. really likes to hunt,” Buchanan said. “Clearly, Jerry Hassler, who lives in Franklin, Tenn., traveled to this year‟s recipient, while Bassett to see Hurd receive the Outstanding Military Veteran Award, an honor that recognizes military and physically challenged, could teach community service. Hurd admitted that he ―had a all of us what it means to overcome sneaking idea‖ that he might receive the award. But Hassler‘s visit had been kept completely under wraps. our obstacles and contribute to the (continued….) betterment of mankind,” she said. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 19 of 51 “Jerry here was a complete surprise,” Hurd said. “I‟m ANOTHER FALLEN dumbfounded.” During their time in Vietnam, Hassler and Hurd were paratroopers in a reconnaissance platoon, SKY SOLDIER Hassler said. As radio telegraph operators, they carried IS FOUND! radios that made communication possible. In early August, 2010, the 173d On Feb. 10, 1967, the group was on patrol in the Airborne Brigade Memorial Mekong Delta when the soldiers stopped to take a break. Foundation identified a Vietnam “I said, „Would you like me to monitor your radio?‟‖ era trooper, taken from us, who and Hurd agreed, Hassler recalled. Hassler, who was was not accounted for by our Association on its many listening to both his radio and Hurd‘s, said he was lists of fallen warriors generated over the past forty plus leaning against a small hill or termite mound when a years. flare that was part of the group's perimeter defense went off. “We didn‟t hear anything, so the sergeant said, Frank Denryter, who served with D/4/503d from 1970 to „Hurd, go find out what‟s going on,‟” Hassler recalled. 1971, kept a log of all Sky Soldiers in the company who died in service during his tour of duty. When reviewing It turned out to be an attack. A bullet pierced Hurd‘s left the names of the fallen warriors inscribed on the recently shoulder and lodged in his spine, leaving him paralyzed dedicated 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial, he realized from the waist down. Another man was killed, Hassler one of his comrades was not included. The name of said. “That was pretty much it,” he said. “That‟s the SGT Clinton A. Cook, killed on 28 April 1970 by a last time I saw him till today.” bobby trapped 105mm round, was missing!
Hassler, who was wearing a shirt and hat proclaiming his Frank informed the Foundation of the omission and Sgt. membership in the 173d Airborne Brigade, said he tried Cook‘s name will be engraved on the Memorial in 2011, to keep himself out of sight as Sunday‘s ceremony got along with the names of the fallen from the 173d under way. It worked. When David Kipfinger, a close Airborne Brigade Combat Team‘s most recent friend of Hurd‘s and commander of the Martinsville- deployment. Henry County Veterans Honor Guard, announced the surprise visitor, Hurd was overcome with emotion. The 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial was designed to accommodate the addition of names of the Vietnam era Hassler approached the front of the auditorium, where fallen. If some of our brothers were omitted from the list the two men embraced as the audience got to its feet. of names inscribed on the panels the Foundation “That was a total surprise,” Hurd said. “I had no idea, encourages all Sky Soldier veterans and family members really.” to go to the KIA link on the 173d Airborne Brigade
The two men have kept in touch by e-mail in recent Memorial Website ((www.173dairbornememorial.org) years, but seeing each other again was something else. and ensure that your comrades/loved ones are listed. Hassler joked that Hurd, who kept his hair in a short Should you find an omission, contact the Memorial buzz cut during the war, now has more hair than Hassler Foundation‘s Director of Heraldry, Bob Wolfgang, at does. Both men said they were happy to see each other [email protected] again.
“I‟m really glad I came,” Hassler said. “We sprung it on Clinton Arthur Cook him.” Despite the hardships of Hurd‘s time in Vietnam Sergeant — he served from May 1966 to February 1967 — and D CO, 4TH BN, 503RD INFANTRY, 173RD his injury, Hurd said he did have some good experiences ABN BDE, USARV there. He also had a supportive family full of people Army of the United States who helped him when he returned home, he said. “I was Hydaburg, Alaska proud to be in the military and proud to serve my October 13, 1948 to April 28, 1970 country,” Hurd said. “I‟ve said many times, if I CLINTON A COOK is on the Wall at could go back in time and serve my country Panel 11W Line 063 again, I‟d be glad to do so, even knowing the outcome.”
Above articles reprinted with courtesy of the Martinsville Bulletin. www.martinsvillebulletin.com 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 20 of 51 I WANNA BE AN AIRBORNE RANGER ~ Corrections ~
I WANNA LIVE A LIFE OF DANGER On Page 24 of last month‘s issue of our newsletter, I incorrectly identified Terry Boggs with Doc O‘Donnell May 2010 Gathering of 173d Rangers and Chopper in this photo. The two men shown are John S. Boggs Crew Members in Las Vegas. and Doc O‘Donnell. Thanks to Dave ―Griff‖ Griffin, HHC/B/2/503d for pointing out the mistake. Ed
John Boggs with the Doc, 1966.
In last month‘s issue of our newsletter (Page 28), I incorrectly promoted LTC Paul Fisher of the 3/503d to Rangers winning hearts and minds of villagers in Vegas. CO, Commanding Photos sent in by Robt. ‗twin‘ Henricksen, N75 Rangers. Officer. Paul served as Commo Officer with the battalion. Paul, I‘m How much time do I have? working off the 20
In the US Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, pushups you ordered me to do, but there‘s no one of the Sergeants was demonstrating all of the possible failures which could happen to the equipment. way in hell I‘m sending you that bottle of Jack Paul Fisher, Commo In particular, he was explaining how many things could happen to keep the main chute from opening. One of the Daniels! Will you settle for my Officer Extraordinaire trainees interrupted the Sarge and asked, “If my peaches and pound cake? Ed parachute fails to open, how long do I have to open my reserve?”
The Sergeant replied, “Son. You have the rest of your life.” 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 21 of 51 173d REUNION ITINERARY San Antonio, Texas, 22 June – 26 June 2011
(Tentative itinerary, subject to change) June 22 -- Wednesday
1200 - 2000 Registration 1300 - 0100 Hospitality Room 1300 - 2200 Vendors 1800 - 2000 President‘s Reception
June 23 -- Thursday
0900 - 1200 Board of Director‘s Meeting 1000 - 1700 Registration 1000 - 2200 Vendors 1300 - 2400 Hospitality Room
June 27 -- Friday
0730 - 0900 Gold Star Reception & Breakfast 0900 - 1500 Registration 1000 - 2400 Hospitality Room 1000 - 2200 Vendors 1000 - Board buses for trip to Fort Sam Houston 1030 - 1500 Tour Fort Sam Houston 1700 - 2300 BBQ, Mariachis, Dance at Maverick Plaza
June 25 -- Saturday Maverick Plaza
0900 - 1100 Registration 0900 - 1200 General Membership Meeting 1000 - 1200 Ladies‘ Brunch 1000 - 2200 Vendors 1000 - 1200 Hospitality Room BANQUET DINNER 1815 - 1850 Cocktails 1900 - 1910 Post Colors 1930 - 2035 Dinner 2035 - 2130 Speakers & Awards 2130 Retire Colors 2135 - ??? Entertainment & Dancing
June 26 -- Sunday
0830 - 1000 Continental Breakfast The Alamo 1030 - 1130 Memorial Service, Arneson River Theater 1130 - Reunion closing. Depart or stay and see more of San Antonio.
Reunion web site: http://www.skysoldiers.com
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 22 of 51 173d AIRBORNE BRIGADE ASSOCIATION
~ REUNION 2011 ~
22 June – 26 June 2011, San Antonio, TX
Hosted by Texas Chapter 13
Name ______Phone (___)______
Address ______City______State ______Zip ______
E-mail address ______
Unit served with in the Brigade ______Dates served ______
Circle Shirt Size: S M L XL 2XL 3XL Male/Female ______
Exact hat size______(Note: A cowboy hat will be given to the 173d member above if Registration Form and hat size are received by March 1, 2011.
Guests: Circle Male or Female and Shirt Size for each guest Name ______Relationship: ______M / F size S M L XL 2XL 3XL Name ______Relationship: ______M / F size S M L XL 2XL 3XL Name ______Relationship: ______M / F size S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Registration/ Event Fees ___ $173.00 per Association Member ___ $125.00 per Guest ___ $125.00 per Gold Star Family Member ___ $ 75.00 per Active Duty Soldier (Not on Orders) ___ FREE Active Duty Soldiers on Orders (i.e., Command, Color Guard) ___ $ 75.00 per Vendor Table ___ FREE Gold Star Brunch – 173d Gold Star Families ___ Brunch Ladies Brunch (Included with registration) Please check if planning to attend. ___ $ 15.00 Trip to Fort Sam Houston per person ___ $ 15.00 Sky Soldier Adoption Program “Have a meal on me” for active duty soldiers Hilton Palacio del Rio, San Antonio, Texas $______Total Enclosed
Make Checks Payable to: Texas Reunion 2011 – 173d Airborne Brigade
Mail Checks to: John Rolfe, 100 Oleander Road, Comfort, TX 78013
For Hotel Reservations: Hilton Palacio del Rio, $119 + tax per night. Call 1-800-HILTONS and request the group rate for The 173d Airborne Brigade Association, Inc., or use the unique group code ABA.
Overflow Hotel: Menger Hotel, $119 + tax per night, Call:1-800-345-9285 and request the group rate for the 173d Airborne Brigade Association.
To Register Online, visit www.texasskysoldier.org/reunion2011
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 - Issue 22 Page 23 of 51 When a loud noise goes off behind you or you are After the War, Still Soldiering boxed in in traffic or you are packed into a tight seat All The Way on an airplane and there is no way out….you want to lash out with all your strength, and sometimes By Dr. Scott Fairchild, LTC (Ret) anyone within grenade radius gets it. It is a normal reaction for you to an abnormal situation. Many of 82nd Airborne Div. your fellow soldiers with similar experiences are doing the same things…. "I just want my old self back." It's the mantra of any combat soldier. Remember, your brain has been changed.
There is a book called, "Once a Warrior, Wired for Life." That used to be true, but we are in development of new tools and techniques, like brain retraining. Through this technique our own studies have shown a reduction to PTSD symptoms by 63%. We must work to get back that healthy brain for you.
It is so important you realize there is help and you are not alone. There are so many veterans who experience exactly what you experience, every night, every day.
The Chain of Command doesn't get it, the VA doesn't get it, the government doesn't get it, and the civilians sure as hell don't get it, but you get it. When others don't even know what
Paul Rieckhoff (L) receives one of the Welcome it is, through your connections with your buddies Home Vets ducks and was thanked by Doc Scott (R) from combat, you and they get it. for his support of veterans through his role as You are to be commended for your courage. Not Executive Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan just for your time in service and during war, but for Veterans of America (IAVA). http://iava.org/about your strength to confront and battle this latest enemy silently yet purposefully sneaking through Thank you for your service to your country and the wire; this enemy we call PTSD. most of all thank you for your sacrifice. The sacrifice is the part which it is hard for others to Because, as you know, when it comes down to it, understand, especially civilians. Often even friends you cannot depend on other folks, but you can and family can't understand it. They can't begin to depend on your brothers. Remember from the know that you left a part of yourself "over there." book, The Things They Carried….”They carried their pictures from home, they carried their short- They can't accept that you went over a young boy timers calendar, they carried their Tabasco sauce and came back an old man. They are not with you and extra ammo clips, but above all they carried in the middle of the night when you wake up back in each other.” It's veterans taking care of veterans. the jungle or the Central Highlands or in some desert and your weapon won't fire, or you are face- Soldier On, fellow warrior. You have another to-face with the friend who is no more. They didn't mission at which to excel. We are going to heal see the things you as a young soldier saw, nor that soldier within, and empower you to continue anyone should ever see. to do what you have already begun to do.
All of the anger, all of the fear, all of the caution, all (continued….) of the distancing and isolation are natural human coping mechanisms which served you well while in- country, they helped you survive. They aren't necessary anymore, but try and tell your brain and 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 body that! Page 24 of 51 We hear you and understand you. It is all part of Doc Scott conducting PTSD awareness clinic at 173d the journey. You will not be going this alone. reunion in N. Myrtle Beach. Photo by : Craig Ford, C/1/503d You ain't heavy, man, you're my brother,
Doc Scott
Some wounds don't end with the war.
The severity and extent to which veterans suffer with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a direct response to our culture's willingness to Welcome Home and care for its Warriors.
Veterans Caring for Veterans,
Scott Fairchild, PsyD Welcome Home Vets, Inc. (WHV) 1370 Bedford Drive, Suite 106 Melbourne, FL 32941 Phn: 321 253-8887, Fax: 321 253-8878 Eml: [email protected]
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Making Invisible Note: Doc Scott is a former LTC with the 82nd Airborne Wounds Visible. Photo by Craig Ford, C/1/503d Div. who conducted much of the early studies and research on PTSD for the U.S. Army at Walter Reed Army An old airborne warrior shared a little wisdom with Hospital, and he is a renowned authority on combat- me, he calls it THE CONTRACT. See the August related PTSD. From his private practice, Baytree ’09, Issue 2, Pages 1-3 of your 2/503d newsletter. Behavioral Health in Melbourne, Florida, the Doc has Check it out. Let me know what you think. Give helped numerous Sky Soldiers, from privates to colonels me a call or email me your phone number, we will and their spouses and partners from throughout the setup a meeting for treatment and a PTSD country – this old RTO one of them. Ed evaluation so we can get started on that healing 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 journey. Page 25 of 51
The Comprehensive PTSD Care 2/503d Crossword Puzzle Winner
Institute of Chicago (CPCIC) We ran a crossword puzzle in last month‘s issue promising to send a bottle of the editor‘s favorite rum from St. Croix, VI to the first person to send in correct answers. The winner is Preston “Pres” Parrott, Maj., former company commander of E/2/503d. Pres, the bottle of Cruzan rum will arrive your AO in time for Christmas, but, remember what the Islanders say, “If you drink too much Cruzan, you‟ll get Cruzan Confusion.” Congratulations Cap!
Correct answers to puzzle:
Across: 1. Xin Loi Down: 2. Canteen 3. Aussies 3. AWOL 5. APC 4. MOS Dr. Eugene Lipov and Steven Tomaszewski, Sr. are 7. Airborne 6. Squad proud to announce the launch of The Comprehensive 9. PRC 8. Alpha PTSD Care Institute of Chicago which will be held 10. Puff 9. Poncho December 9th between 7-9 p.m. Everyone is invited to 11. C Rats 11. Cu Chi come and meet the staff and see their current clinic and 12. Huey 14. Destroy future clinic. They are not asking for any money, just 13. MPC 16. X Ray 14. Dak To your time and help to let our Veterans know they are 15. Out there. Note: Since Pres was the only one to send in answers, we will Governor‘s Place discontinue crossword puzzles due to lack of popular demand, 2260 W. Higgins Road plus, Pres would win every month and ultimately turn into a Suite 101 very confused man. Hoffman Estates, Illinois Who is this dapper 2/503d Trooper? Please RSVP by December 3rd to: Kevin Burkhardt: 224-698-2700 [email protected]
The mission of CPCIC is to provide near-term real hope and real solutions for Warfighters and Veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI to improve their quality of life.
Please visit our web site at: www.stopptsdnow.com
Steven M. Tomaszewski Director of Veterans Outreach www.stoptsdnow.com 1450 American Lane Suite 1400 Schaumburg, IL 60173 224-698-2700
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 [Sent in by Bob “Ragman” Getz, Task Force CO, 2/503d] Page 26 of 51 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial DVD
The 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation DVD of the memorial dedication at Fort Benning, GA held June 1, 2010, is now available for purchase. Order early for Christmas! What a great gift to give a Sky Soldier buddy, the family of a Sky Soldier and those who served with the 173d. All monies raised from the sale of DVD’s will go to the perpetual care of the 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial. This is not the power point slide presentation which was circulated, but a video, in DVD format, which is over one-hour long and covers the entire dedication ceremony. If you need further information please contact Craig Ford, Treasurer, 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation, email: [email protected] or call Craig at: 425-422-7976
~ DVD Order Form ~ Please send check or money order to the address below and payable to the: 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial Foundation (please print) Name:______Address:______City:______State:______Zip______Country:______
Number of DVD’s ordered ____ at $20.00 per DVD: $______First Class shipping for one or two DVD’s is $2.00 total:* $______Priority Mail shipping for three or more DVD’s is $5.00 total:* $______Check or money order enclosed for this total amount: USD $______(Please email Craig for postage rates to outside North America)
Please mail to: 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation 17207 76th Avenue, W., Edmonds, WA 98026 U.S.A.
~ Please allow two (2) weeks for delivery ~
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 27 of 51 INCOMING!
~ I thought my „boys‟ had been permanently removed ~ Gidday Mates. Gee, I enjoyed this issue of the you are obtaining through this great work. Profanity is newsletter probably a little more than all the previous the crutch of the intellectual cripple when used issues because of the bit of history about the jump into indiscriminately with no real motive. Thanks. Nadzab, New Guinea (November 2010, Issue 21, Page R 2/503d
45). I can‘t recall if I ever mentioned this to you before You‟re damn right! Nah, that disclaimer wasn't because but my daddy was one of the Aussies who were in that of anyone‟s particular use of curse words, and our jump with the 503 PIR but I didn‘t know anything about newsletter really isn‟t for too young eyes. This ain‟t no it until one day not long before he died. We were Sunday-go-to-meetin‟ pamphlet; this is about paratroopers talking about all kinds of stuff over a couple of ‗cold and war and veins in the teeth and stuff. The thing is ones‘ and he said to me, “Did you ever think you had always splattered with F-bombs and squirrel balls and the castrated yourself when you jumped out of a plane?” I like. It's simply an adult publication for adults and said that most times I was too busy, scared or bitching to written (mostly unedited) by adults, G.I.‟s at that, who as really remember, and he added, “You know, we had a you know, can be a tad salty at times…I love it. We will couple of days practice before they sent us over to that not edit how our guys choose to report our history, that will be left in the domain of the authors. I often correct job and to this day I don‟t know how to explain how I spelling and basic grammar, otherwise, this shit is what it managed to pump out your 2 brothers and 2 sisters as I is. We‟ve all stared death in the eye and watched its‟ thought my „boys‟ had been permanently removed by the workings up close, I think we can handle a few blue words; webbing.” My daddy served in New Guinea from when if not, folks can read their Bibles instead, or, take-over the he was 19 until he was 22. He had been returned to newsletter. Thanks brother, appreciate your sensitive Gordonvale (Qld), Australia after being wounded and thoughts, you‟re a good man and I‟m proud to have you as then rejoined the artillery unit that they took the one of my closest friends. Ed ―volunteers‖ from. That was the only time he ever really mentioned that association and it was not until the 173d ~ Good Wishes ~ Sydney reunion that I was talking to Ray Ramirez and he Holiday wishes to all Sky Soldiers wherever you are started talking about the lineal relationship of Aussies serving. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough and The Herd and I realized he was talking about my men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do daddy and his mates (without any identification). I us harm." George Orwell would love to send a few ―UNWARRY‖ stories that I Steve 'Sgt. Rock' Vargo found amusing but I feel a bit apprehensive intruding on C/2/503d, '67 the memories of all you fellow 2/503 mates as it is THEIR newsletter. Thanks for the read mate, I really And rough women too. Ed enjoy them and often it takes me back to those days when we were all 10 foot tall and bulletproof until God ~ Jim Thorne Farewell ~ (or something) showed us we were not always right! On page 43 of 48 (November newsletter) you have the John Arnold obit of Lt. Jim Thorne. I tried to get to his funeral but 1RAR got there after it had started. I had a 15 minute appointment at Carlisle with the Commandant that was Hey Cobber. Thanks for the great story about your dad. to have been at 10:30 but did not get in his office until Yes, John, you and all your mates are invited to send in 10:45 and he kept us until 11:45. By the time I got to what you like, we enjoy reading about you wild and crazy the Church at Camp Hill the service had already started Aussie Diggers. By the way, nice hats. Ed so I did not go in. I did sign the Memorial book
indicating I was 173d ABN BDE. I have also sent a ~ Those Salty Dogs ~ small check to the VA Med Center Hospice. He is not I know I sound like a broken record but I hate to see the the first friend I have taken care of in their final days by note "Remember, our newsletter is filled with adult that Hospice. They do a super job. Airborne, content and may not be appropriate for too young Don Bliss eyes." which I assume you were forced to insert because 173d Aviation Bn of all the expletives in the newsletter. I suggest you (continued….) either edit such text or delete future submissions rather than risk offending the large cross section of followers 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 28 of 51
~ Memories of Buddies in Vietnam ~ There is more, there are more, to the story. I was cold all night even though the temperature was at least in the Thank you for being faithful in sending me the eighties. Later that morning at daybreak, I discovered newsletter. My name is George Luis Rivera, I was a that my fatigues had been drenched in blood from top to floater with 2/503d. I was an artillery observer so I was bottom. That's why I had been so cold all night. I can't moved around the line companies every month. I get the incident out of my mind. There were no arrived there during early February 1968 until December uniforms to change into, but we were extracted later that 1968. Sometime after Summer, I was sent to Battalion day, so I only had to wear them one day. As long as I Recon until December 1968. I was with No DEROS stayed in the sun I was fine, but as soon as I stepped into Alpha with CO Captain Ahern, XO LT MacPherson, B the lightest shade I would be covered by flies. I cannot Company Captain Fox, C Company with Captain get it out of my mind. I hate flies. Every time I see one Gellison, and D Company. I returned in late I go after it and hunt it down until I kill it. I know its 1969. I went straight to Battalion Recon again. I don't excessive, maybe obsessive. It‘s a perpetual nightmare. know what else to say. I served well, knew many who I'm sorry to have burdened you with this account. died, hardly any who made it. I have been disconnected Welcome home. I'm glad you made it. ever since. I was very moved to have seen the 173d Memorial dedication at Fort Benning. I can make out Do you know anything of LT COL William B. Hornish? the name of William Francis Brice. He was Echo He was 2nd Bat CO when I first arrived. He was one Company driver. He and my other friend Patrick Steele hell of a commander. It was not good practice for him, were killed just outside the berm at LZ English North but anytime there was a unit in contact his chopper, The one day. Thank you so much for having sent this to me. Tijuana Taxi would show up and he would jump out and I was a Sergeant. I was given the name George of The jump into the fight. He was crazy to do that, but he was Jungle by Dugan Ersland, No DEROS Alpha loved for it. We used to call him Uncle Bill or Wild Company Battalion RTO one day when I climbed a tree Bill. One night there was a big night firefight with, as I to set up a directional antenna after none of the guys recall B Company, and some indians. Bravo was taking who tried to could make it up the tree. He asked me if I so much fire that one of the chopper pilots on scene could climb the tree. I said yes and went at it. He said refused to approach again because he had taken so much he'd give me five dollars if I could climb the tree. I am fire already. He said he didn't want to get shot down. I still waiting for it. When I climbed down he said, heard Col Hornish scream at him saying, "You get back "Damn George, you're a regular George of The Jungle," there and get in the fight and bring my boys out or bring and the name stuck. I was known by the call signs my chopper back here and I'll get a real man to fly it. In Alpha Echo, 1 Niner X-Ray, and Vector One Niner. I fact, get back here and pick me up!" I would have hated worked with B 3/319, Capt. Lacey, the 175s from LZ to be that pilot. That's why we called him Uncle. Salem and LZ Lot, LZ Tater. I was stationed at Pleiku, There were some people I failed to mention. The medics then An Khe, then Bong Song at LZ English, and that night were Senior Medic Gerry Walsh from Boston sometimes at LZ English North. I have chronic CRS and James Tuttle from Allentown I believe, maybe syndrome, and PTSD. I don't sleep much, walk around a Levittown, PA. I cannot remember another. Among lot while everyone sleeps. I sleep better armed. I am the wounded were George White and at least nine others. still there most of the time. Thanks for the mail brother. Frank Herrera was KIA that night. Steve Perkins with There was a Lieutenant named Michael Phalen his M-60 crew went out across a wide rice paddy in and George White? Do you know if they survived? He search of the machine gun. I remember seeing them was a fine LT, caring about his men and even though slither by as silent as a snake in the dark into the rice massively wounded himself, the first words out of his paddy after the enemy MG opened up. I saw Steve and mouth when he regained consciousness after the night Jimmy Tuttle again back at Fort Bragg. The CO's name explosion were, "How are the men? Is everyone okay? was Captain Joe Gellison. His RTO was named Did we lose anyone?" Then he looked down in the dark MacGregor. It was my third day out with them, so I am and saw his severed right leg and began crying for a sorry I cannot recall any more names moment. I did not tell him Frank Herrera had died. I George Rivera told him, "It's me sir, Rivera, I've got you now sir. I'll A/2/503d, „68 take care of you now." Then we took some MG fire and Note: Thanks for sharing, George. Any buddies out there after a long time, the Dust Off came in. It was total who remember George, you can contact him at: darkness as we loaded the 13 wounded into the one [email protected] Slick. They were screaming as we stacked one on top of another to enable them to get to aid quickly. I am still there. I can still hear them screaming. I cry over it 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 sometimes. I blame it on allergies if someone notices. Page 29 of 51 ~ From Down Under ~
~ Tactical Recon Photos ~
Fellows: Do you know in which US archival repository all directions. It just missed one guy, who slammed the the tactical recon photos from Vietnam would be held? butt of his M-79 onto its head as it passed, but the 79 was cocked and loaded....and fired. With all of South A group of our veterans is working with the Vietnamese Vietnam to fly in, that round impacted at battalion to locate their MIAs, as they were very helpful to our headquarters, creating the instant impression that the teams searching for our MIAs. damn Viet Cong were mortaring and first round accuracy was very good... then surprise when nothing The location of interest now is May-June 1968, north- more arrived. The 'unauthorized discharge' was a east from Saigon, where some heavy fighting occurred platoon secret for 25 years. More…. between our forces and the VC/NVA at two fire support bases during the attacks on Saigon after Tet. …The benefits of a military Bomb craters were used as convenient mass graves, but academy education: as 42 years have passed, finding the exact spot is difficult and even modern gadgetry like ground- On Operation 'Silver City', March 1966, a stream of penetrating radar and Google-Earth are not solving the Chinooks was flying into the 2/503rd area to extract the problem. rice and stuff found there. One Aussie officer, a graduate from the Academy, wondered where all the The idea is to locate imagery from the time and identify helicopters were going, and someone said they were the craters used as mass graves. taking Mules to evacuate the caches found in the 2/503rd area, assuming 'mules' would be understood as the Our own archives have been searched with little result mechanical type. Our staff-trained officer considered for this type imagery. Sadly, a lot was destroyed after this, frowned and asked, “Where are they going to get our involvement in SVN ended. Any suggestion will be fodder for mules around here?” appreciated. Lex McAulay Lex McAuley 1RAR 1RAR
WHODAT?
In last month‘s issued of our newsletter we asked you to identify this young Master Blaster. In 1966/‘67, this trooper was company commander of Charlie Company 2/503d. He is retired Major General John ―Jack‖ Leide.
A Coy arrives Vietnam 2 June 1965 Photo: firstbattalionassociation1rar.org.au
Is it a bird, is it a plane, is it...?
On Operation 'New Life', November 1965, 1RAR was The Cap clearing the town of Duc Hanh. A water buffalo got loose and did what water buffalo do - attack the strange- 2/03d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 smelling foreigners. It charged down the street, hooking Page 30 of 51 left and right with those big horns, scattering Aussies in WWII 503rd Buddies Over the past couple weeks a number of Sky Soldiers sent letters to WWII troopers of the 503rd PRCT, to say hello, ask how they‘re doing and to thank them for their courageous service to their country. Of over 3,000 503rd paratroopers who fought in the Pacific during WWII, roughly 200 of these men are still with us.
Sky Soldier Frank Dukes, A/2/503d, sent a letter to WWII 503rd paratrooper Carl Dongilli who had made the famous combat jump onto Corregidor. In reply to his letter, Frank received the note below from Carl‘s son, Dana. Both Dana and Frank gave us permission to share their correspondence. Ed
Carl, jump ready. Airborne, All The Way brother!
Carl Dongilli, a 503rd Paratrooper Dear Dana,
Frank, I am so sorry to hear of Carl's passing. Sadly so many of My name is Dana Dongilli. I'm the son of Carl our brave men who paved the way for our freedom are Dongilli. I'm emailing you to inform you that Carl leaving us way too soon. passed away in October. I read your letter to him, since all his mail comes to my house, and was very touched The members of the "Herd" owe a debt of gratitude to that you wrote to him because he was a brother men like your father who paved the way for the rest of paratrooper. He was proud to have been one and to do us. I did get a chance to meet 5 of the men who were what was needed to be done at that time of his life. He with your father and made the jump on Corregidor. never really talked much about the war, but once in a These men and your father gave the rest of us quite a legacy to live up to. while, if my brothers and I would ask, he would tell us things. He used to tell us, that even after all these years, I am passing your letter on to my brothers and I am sure he would still wake up at night and swear he was back they will all feel the sorrow I feel tonight because we there fighting again. I guess that never goes away. I just lost another great TROOPER. Thanks for letting me know he made quite a few jumps, but I think the one that know about your father. most stood out in his mind was the one on Corregidor. He actually has a book about that jump and the battle. I hope you know that he is now in a far better place and is not having any more of those bad dreams. Well, I'm going to go now. I just wanted to thank you for the letter and to let you know he would have Frank Dukes appreciated it also. A/2/503 Thanks Again, 173d Abn Bde (Sep) Dana
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 31 of 51 ~ A Wonderful Letter ~ Following is a wonderful letter from 1966 which we can suspect few of us have ever seen or were aware existed. Ed
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 32 of 51 Go Navy! POWERFUL WAR A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a DOCUMENTARY SOON ON T.V. naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, The feature movie documentary, RESTREPO, will air on the National Geographic channel on Monday, Nov. Australian and French Navies. At a 29 at 9:00 pm EST. Restrepo chronicles the deployment cocktail reception, he found himself of a platoon of U.S. paratroopers (2/503d, 173d standing with a large group of officers Airborne) in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. The movie that included personnel from most of focuses on a remote 15-man outpost, "Restrepo," those countries. considered one of the most dangerous postings in the military. This is war, full stop, without editorializing or
high-command analysis. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks, but a French The documentary is Admiral suddenly complained that, now also available on whereas Europeans learn many DVD and is a must-see for all Sky Soldiers... languages, Americans learn only and hopefully others. English. He then asked, "Why is it that Brutal stuff. Note also we always have to speak English in this is where SSG these conferences rather than speaking Giunta was serving French?" when he conducted the heroics which resulted
in him being the first Without hesitating, the American living recipient of the Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because Medal of Honor since the Brit's, Canadians, Aussie's and the Vietnam War. Hope Americans arranged it so you you all saw this modest wouldn't have to speak German." hero's interview on "60 Minutes" recently...or found it online at the NBC
website. You could have heard a pin drop.
[Sent in by John Searcy, HHC/2/503d, „65/‟66] Please pass this along to others who may or should have an interest. Check local cable listings for channels and details. ~ TIGER BEER ~ In December, the Tampa Bay Chapter of the 82nd Biere 33 is still sold in France, at least as of Airborne/All-American Association with support from 14 years ago when I bought the can I still the 173d Airborne Association Florida Chapter will be have. I'll bet it has not aged well. hosting 2 active-duty young enlisted paratroopers from The worst were Tiger and Anchor (brewed Fort Bragg for a week of "R&R at Clearwater Beach." for Her Majesties Forces) which there were This year one of the guys will be a former 173d trooper still a lot left in the brigade area when I now serving at Ft. Bragg. Airborne! arrived with 4th Bn in August 1966. Michael Switzer, C/3/503d [email protected] There was a lot of Swan Lager from Perth, Australian left over from the Aussies. It was rather good and was going for 5 cents a can since Americans wanted Falstaff and Bud.
A number of the better American brewers would not send their stuff to RVN since they figured it would spoil in the heat and turn everyone off.
Reed Cundiff LRRP 173d 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 33 of 51 SKY SOLDIERETTE CORNER Chapter 17 By Iva Tuttle First and foremost, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas Party Christmas and a good New Year. May the sun shine Date: 12/4/2010 when you need it, the rain only come at night, and may Place: Franklin VFW Post 7596 peace finally fill your heart. 422 S. Main St, Franklin, Ohio 45005 Phone (937)746-7786 I was going to beg off writing a column again this month Hotel information: Holiday Inn Express, 851 Commerce Center Drive, Franklin, Ohio 45005. because I am facing a questioning time in my life and Phone (937)746-1094. Hotel is off of I-75 & St. Rt. 73. feel a lot of the decisions I must make could (Post is approx. 1.5 miles from hotel). Room rate, overshadow my ability to help you through these $69.95+tax. Very nice hotel, built about a year ago. musings. But felt that I needed to also tell you in Hotel will reserve a block for the 173d. When calling to make the reservation, you must state you are with the person instead of just leaving another blank hole. 173d in order to receive the discounted price. I won’t be submitting anything until I get myself back Rooms should be reserved asap. together.
This year has been one of many personal trials and losses. Not only did I lose my Dad, but a very good friend. Numerous people in my extended family have experienced losses that have affected our lives too. Our children have dealt with personal issues that have been more than they should have to ever deal with in their lives.
Holiday Inn Express, Franklin, OH Not only was I facing the loss in my life, I had to face the fact that I had to accept some responsibility for the abuse that has happened in my daughters’ lives because of a home life that may not have been what it should have been.
For the first time in my life, I haven’t been strong enough to be my own support system. I found that while I was giving support, giving and caring for others, I had never asked for myself. I took for granted that a support system would be there when I needed it.
There are those who have given me care and love and support through this awakening. I want to thank each and every one of you. But right now, I need to find who I am – I can no longer ignore the fact that I need.
So, when the time is right, you will hear from me. Keep your chin up – stand tall and proud. Know you are loved, but remember that love isn‘t taking, it‘s giving and accepting.
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 34 of 51
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez President of the Western States, Chapter 10. Notably, he serves on the board of directors for the 173d Airborne Names Whittier Man First Brigade National Memorial Foundation whose ―sole “Veteran of the Month” mission‖ is to build a 173d Memorial ―on a piece of American soil.‖ (see July 2010 Issue 17, Pages 12-20 of For Immediate Release our newsletter). Contact: Justin Beckley, 202-225-6676 To honor Sergeant Ramirez‘ hard work and dedication to Washington, DC – On Friday, Congresswoman Linda his country, he was presented with a flag flown over the Sánchez kicked off her new veterans‘ outreach program capitol in his name. The presentation took place at by naming retired U.S. Army Sergeant E-5 Raymond Congresswoman Sánchez‘ Cerritos office Friday. Ramirez of the City of Whittier as the 39th Con- gressional District‘s first ―Veteran of the Month.‖ Mr. Ramirez is the first recipient of the award and was chosen by the newly created Veterans Advisory Council.
Mr. Ramirez began his military career in 1964 when he enlisted with the U.S. Army and was immediately deployed to Vietnam. He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade, the first major ground combat unit of the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. Mr. Ramirez exhibited courage and heroism while in combat, earning him awards and medals including the Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with ―V‖ Device, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster. His unit also A saddened Ray Ramirez, 4/503d Sky Soldier received the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) for during recent funeral services for his friend assisting the U.S. Marines in the fall of 1966, and the SPC “Doc” Raymond Chavez Alcaraz, Jr., U.S. Army Meritorious Unit Citation. Upon his return who was killed in action while serving as a from Vietnam in June of 1967, he was assigned to the medic in Afghanistan with C/1/503d. 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX. (See Oct. 2010, Iss. 20, Pg. 16 of our newsletter)
"Mr. Ramirez‟ dedication to our country is inspiring and Congresswoman Sánchez‘ ―Veteran of the Month‖ I was pleased to honor him today," said Congresswoman program is coordinated by her Veterans Advisory Sánchez. "It‟s vitally important that we never forget the Council, comprised of distinguished veterans from sacrifices made by our fighting men and women. I look across the district. Each month, a veteran will be forward to recognizing a new veteran each month." recognized for their service overseas and here at home. For more information regarding the ―Veteran of Later, Mr. Ramirez attended Rio Hondo College and the Month‖ program please contact Jamie Zamora at California State University, Los Angeles. He then [email protected] or (562) 860-5050. worked for several years in the defense industry and then the County of Los Angeles and the City of Commerce for over 25 years.
He is currently an active member of the American Veterans Post 113 (Irwindale, CA) and the Association 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 of the 173d Airborne Brigade, where he is the former Page 35 of 51 the time it was the largest funeral he had ever seen New Sky Soldier Coin except for one for a well-known public figure. Senator Warner (the elder) from Virginia was in attendance as was the Deputy CG of AFSOC. Scott died in a CH-47 crash (flown by 160th Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment out of Fort Campbell) on 18 February 2007 in Afghanistan along with the pilot and co-pilot, several other crew members from the 160th and 2 Rangers from the 75th. Scott was the Team Lead and was near the pilot for communications reasons. The Deputy Commander of AFSOC came to the house to brief Rose and Bill on the crash, although to this date no definitive reason has been given. As are all of their missions this was a classified operation so we will most likely never know all of the facts. Bill goes on to report that Scott died doing what he loved to do and for what he was so Created and produced by LTC Paul Fisher, 3/503d, this highly trained and skilled in doing. new Sky Soldier coin is now available. All profits from the sale of coins will be donated, one-half to the 173d Below you will see a picture of Bill as he dedicates a Memorial Foundation and one-half to feed local area coin at the gravesite of his step-son. poor during this winter. To order a coin contact Paul at [email protected] I know you all wish the family and friends of these fallen warrior/hero Airborne Airman and Aviators all the best. Coins Dedicated at [Sent in by Paul Fisher, LTC,3/503d]
Arlington National Cemetery
CPT Bill Duval, Commanding Officer of HHC/3/503rd in 1970 and his wife Rose, also a retired veteran herself recently dedicated three 173d Airborne Brigade Coins on behalf of fallen warriors who were killed in Afghanistan in February of 2007. It is significant because one of the coins was dedicated to Rose‘s son and Bill‘s step- son Tech Sergeant Scott Duffman of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron (Scott was a USAF Para-Rescueman [‗PJ‘], Master Parachutist, HALO, SCUBA qualified and a Combat Medic who had completed multiple combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the Joint Special Operations Command). The other coins were dedicated to the Pilot, CWO-3 Hershel McCants and Co-Pilot, CWO-3 John A. Quinlan both of th the 160 Special Operation Aviation Regiment (SOAR) A. Bill Duval 3/503d, 173d Abn dedicating coin.
Bill reports that when Scott was honored at a Memorial
Ceremony at JSOC Headquarters there was standing 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 room only in their large 'shake out' bay. And at his Page 36 of 51 funeral in Arlington the Director of Arlington said that at activities. He joined us at Bragg and at Marilyn Logan's Sky Soldier funeral.
Alvin Ealey He was a very devoted Christian. To know him, you had Farewell Brother to be conversant with his on-going religious journey. He faithfully read the Bible and associated religious books, Sunrise, October 11, 1948 all of which was recorded in his personal journal, which was always within easy reach in his truck. Sunset, November 7, 2010
He and later he and Missy became frequent visitors to Al wanted to come to Beverly Manor. We'd sit out in the shade of the willow Arlington on November 10, tree with the girls sipping wine, while Al and I had 2010 to be with the Herd in something a bit stronger. He became my advisor on green pastures one final house repairs and, when I didn't move as quickly as he time. However, he slipped thought appropriate, he jumped in. He teamed with me away for eternity three days to paint my house, with him doing more than his fair prior to this date. We will One of Al‟s share. He brought a steel scaffold to use on the upper miss him and may he always favorite caps. floors but he refused to let me aid him in moving it. remain in our memories as a fine Those who knew Al, knew that there was only Al's Sky Soldier and friend. way. You could talk but when he decided, it was his Ed Kearney, B/2/503d way. It was a bit difficult adjusting to that but he put that lop-sided smile on and adjusted his 173d ball cap, A quote by Al in the story, The Battle at Bau San: and even a hard-headed grump would agree to his plan.
He loved his children but had waited a long while before ―I want to thank Lewis he decided to demonstrate that love. This complicated Wingfield for the day he his relationships but that was his way....and it worked for saved my life, March 14th him. He also loved his Mom and called her daily. or 15th, 1966. He crawled Through him, I got to know her and she became my over to me, looked me friend as she neared her end. A gracious, loving lady, right in my face, stopped who he worshiped and who had impacted his life in a positive fashion. me from going where I was going and said, ‗They This next vignette tells completely of our relationship. I are killing ‗em up there.‘ have a fireplace in our kitchen, which at some ancient time was the site for cooking. I closed the chimney and The next day, March 16th, installed a gas log heater to which a gas line had to be I‘ll never forget that day; it extended. Al learned of this and brought his started off with us walking tunnel/underhouse suit, with breathing device. The first through camp getting step was to drill a hole in the kitchen floor to pass the ready to go out. Then a gas line to the log heater. Al said to tap the floor and he helicopter was shot down. Al at Camp Zinn ‟66 would drill up at that point. While I was tapping, he I killed more people that day than I care to remember. started drilling. The drill blade came through the floor where I was sitting and just barely missed my ass, while That was the day Jody got the tripod shot on his M-60.‖ ripping my trousers. He had no idea how close I came to Alvin Ealey, B/2/503d disaster and we have an unwanted hole in the middle of the floor. After we stopped laughing, we adjusted and Remembering Al got the job completed.
Being friends with Al was influenced, as many things I'll miss him and all the good times that we shared under were, by Spencer Alexander. Al had not been very the willow, when we remembered and drank to our active with the Bravo Bulls before Spencer's unexpected youth and the soldiers we marched among. death. He went to Chicago for the funeral. We met May he enjoy his Heavenly reward in the company of again at Ed Johnson's house and went to the funeral our departed comrades, together. With that single event, an extremely strong friendship began. He and Lew Wingfield, Al's buddy Roy Lombardo, COL (Ret) CO B/2/503d and neighbor, joined us at a Memorial Service at
Arlington. From the funeral and Veteran's Day service, 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Al slowly became more engaged in Bravo Bull Page 37 of 51 Stories of the R&R Kind
Cleo, What A Gal, or; the fast and cheap women we were looking for. They both were very attractive and appeared to be in their It Ain‟t So Bad To Volunteer mid-twenties. I was nineteen at the time and my buddy
was about the same age. They dressed like American Rest & Relaxation is a wonderful concept. PSTD among girls, smelled like American girls and reeked of money. combat soldiers would most likely be much higher without a break from the rigors of war. The leader of the two was very outgoing and spoke excellent English with little or no accent. She insisted I was fortunate enough to have two R&Rs during my we call her Cleopatra. The other girl was somewhat shy year in Vietnam. While serving with Charlie 2/503 in and spoke broken English. We sat there for a while June of 1967 I was given an R&R to Japan. Shortly developing the ―business plan‖ over a few drinks. After after being assigned to the newly-formed Delta the plan was fully developed and financial arrangements Company around made, Cleopatra invited us to her apartment for drinks September or October and light entertainment. After all, she had, how should I of that year, a say, stiffened my attention. Sergeant with a clipboard came We took a taxi to her apartment during which Cleopatra around asking who and the taxi driver had a lively conversation in Japanese had not had an R&R. with much loud laughter. I remember thinking we were Being the agile and probably being laughed at but I really didn‘t care as my quick thinking mind was fully wrapped around the ―business plan.‖ paratrooper I once was (noticed I said After about a ten-minute drive we arrived at a high-rise once) I thought if he‘s apartment building in a well-to-do area of Tokyo. asking, they must not know. If I raised my Cleopatra flashed an ID type card at the doorman and he hand and they found let us into the building. We took the elevator to one of out I was BS-ing the upper floors, which opened to a long hallway. I what were they going remember the hall was brightly lighted and very clean. to do, send me to We came to her apartment and she opened the door to a Vietnam? So I raised Wayne Bowers small foyer where we took off our shoes. We then my hand and a few Check equipment! entered the living area of her apartment, which was weeks later I found nicely appointed with Egyptian décor. The entire myself in Australia. What a time that was! apartment was well organized, very clean. There was a young Japanese male sitting on the sofa watching TV. But back to Japan….While on the flight over I met a Cleopatra said something to him in Japanese; he stood ―leg‖ from the 4th Davison. He worked in the rear and up, smiled and then left. I asked her who the male was had never served on line. I don‘t remember his name but and she stated he was her houseboy. do remember him being from North Carolina. I also remember him saying he had always heard most Cleopatra made drinks for the four of us after which we paratroopers were half crazy. We seemed to have went to her bedroom to conduct Phase II of the business several things in common and decided to ―buddy up‖ for plan. Shortly after completing Phase II Cleopatra the week. informed me she had fallen in love with me and wanted me to spend the rest of my time in Tokyo with her, for a After arriving and settling in the hotel we met in the small fee of course. I can‘t remember the amount of the lobby to begin a night of real R&R. Before leaving the fee but I do remember it was going to be about twice the hotel we asked one of the bellhops where we should cost of our hotel room. I told her I would have to discuss begin our evening. When we arrived at the bar he made it with my buddy. a suggestion, but our thoughts were ―this is not the type of place we were looking for.‖ It was a very upscale bar (continued….) filled mostly with Japanese men dressed in suits. We decided to stay for a couple of drinks and shortly thereafter two Japanese businesswomen approached us seeking our advice on a business plan they were 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 developing. These girls did not meet the expectation of Page 38 of 51 She gave me a Japanese robe much like the one she had girls. They informed us the girls were not there and they just put on. We then returned to the living area to join began to laugh. Now no self-respecting paratrooper was my buddy and the other girl. I asked my fully-dressed going to be laughed at, so I loudly proclaimed I was buddy if he had conducted his phase of the business going to kick the ass of every SOB in the place if I plan. He just looked at me with a big silly smile on his didn‘t get my money back. Before I had a chance to tell face. them I was just kidding I was being punched and bounced off the wall. I noticed the big fellow had my This Cleopatra girl was a buddy in a headlock as we were being rudely pushed real pro, no pun intended. toward the door. Being a well-trained, highly motivated She again asked if we US paratrooper with a keen ability to assess the would stay the rest of our situation, I decided a full retreat was in order. Besides, R&R there with them. my buddy and I were scared shitless. When we hesitated, can you believe she tried to Someway, somehow, the next afternoon I woke up in the sway us with sex?! When right bed in the right hotel with a few knots a few bruises we informed her we were and a major headache. more interested in sampling other sites of Over the years as I have looked back on those times I Tokyo she became very can‘t help to realize how incredibility stupid I was and argumentative and entered often wonder how I made it this far in life. into a total and complete Wayne, ready for Phase II Wayne Bowers tantrum. She began yelling and asked us to leave. D/C/2/503d, „67-„68
Suddenly there came a knock on the door and the other girl sprang to open it. It was the houseboy and three Un-kept Promises other guys. One of them looked to be an aspiring Sumo wrestler, this guy must have been around 300 pounds.
My buddy and I gathered our things and left amidst Cleo‘s screaming and yelling. We walked down the street to the first bar we came to. We were pretty well pissed at this time but still had our common sense. After a couple of glasses of ―liquid courage‖ I convinced my buddy we had just been conned. After partaking of more ―liquid courage‖ (we were three sheets in the wind by this time) we decided we were not going to be cheated.
L-R: Two Chargin‟ Charlies, Roger Dick & Sam Stewart, still at the bar.
The only thing I have to contribute is: After a typical night out on the town on R&R I slithered out of bed and into the bathroom where I attempted to ease the severe hangover with a warm bath. All of a sudden the water started sloshing back and forth over the sides of the tub and everything fell off the bathroom shelves. I immediately swore off drinking and made promises I would never keep. It turned out Taipei was experiencing an earth quake and I was in a room 22 stories up swaying back and forth. I was never so glad to grab a Shinjuku, Tokyo. “Cleo! Where are you?!!” drink in the lobby in my life. So much for promises We walked back to the apartment and after several made during fire fights or earth quakes. minutes and a fist full of Japanese money we persuaded Roger Dick the doorman to let us in. Somehow we found the right C/2/503d apartment. We knocked and the houseboy opened the 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 door. We pushed our way in and demanded to see the Page 39 of 51 A Different Kind of R&R and the nature of these men… some of America‘s finest My R&R was in Viet Nam killing people. Had a lot of militia. fun. Virgil Lamb C/2/503d
The Teenage Captain
[That‟s what some of the other company commanders called him -- Gary Prisk, CO C/2/503d. But not his men, they called him Cap -- they would die for him, and some did. Ed]
Unorthodox, perhaps… a bit crazy, perhaps… willing to deal anyone that might kill a GI, absolutely… at odds with the Operations Major, always… did Charlie Company have more enemy KIA and fewer casualties than any other company while this young captain was running gates. Yes we did. But, we were not blessed with social Standing/sitting… left-to-right. Pvt. Henry Kot… skills. Doc Pratt… PFC Dennis Uhlott… Doc Walsh… Sp 4 Mark Apodaca… Sp 4 Dan Johnston. But when we were blessed with a two-or-three day In Front… left-to-right. Sp 4 Bill Totten… stand-down my orders to the platoon sergeants were Sp 4 Montgomery “Mr. Monty” simple… “Get re-fit and ready for the next insertion… and then don‟t fuck with the troops.” Seems simple As was the custom when a man left country, those left enough until you get rear-area Majors trying to run your standing wanted the man to remember that he was company… We ruined more than one career. leaving his friends in the jungle…we were always glad to see a man leave, Standin‘ Tall with his goolies in fine On one stand-down the General had put Bong Son on- trim… we just had to get a bit pissy about his leaving. limits and the singing houses off limits… understanding how ambushes were conducted, my Field-First Sergeant, my RTO and I went to town ahead of the company. “A recon was necessary, doo dah.” The Brigade MP‘s arrived well after the company. The silly shits wrote up 74 DR‘s, processed them through Brigade, then Battalion, and they landed in Charlie Company‘s orderly room before dark, with a great deal of ceremony and with the excitement of two rear-area Majors… Rear- Area Majors were loathsome bastards…
So I raised my beer can to the heavens and with a great deal of ceremony dedicated each ―DR‖ to the hand shredder… each dedication requiring more beer. When asked by the Battalion CO what I intended to do about The picture above is of SSgt Edmund Burns, 1st Platoon the DR‘s I said, “I have directed the First Sergeant to Sergeant, waiting to be placed on his ―Freedom Bird‖ for send the „DR‟ to the trooper‟s family so they could see the first leg of his leaving country. SSgt Burns did not first-hand what their soldier has been up to.” accept his fate with grace, tagging more than one
This was not what he thought would happen. The dumb paratrooper before he was subdued, his uniform bastard should not have made a fuss over paratroopers shredded, tied to a bamboo pole and covered with “goin‟-to-town.” shaving cream. (continued….) This picture which follows is of members of second platoon taken in Bong Son in July 1968. Note the pipes 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 40 of 51 Promising all forms of retribution… swearing as if his god might hear… he slanged my mother and anyone else he could think of.
Months later, not thinking this ritual to its end, I was caught half-stepping one fine day when on my way to Hawaii for R&R.
Gary Prisk in his hooch with a handy friend nearby.
The Teenage Captain, the Company Commander Gary I needed that honey in my bunker at LZ English, before Prisk, sitting after having his uniform torn-up and being and after R&R. hog-tied by his men in preparation for his Liberty Flight for R&R. As an aside…I need some help with names of these troopers in the following photos. For months, in fact since Dak To or December of 1967 the wizards in the intelligence business in Vietnam had declared that a trooper had deserted in the field. There were a good many versions of the desertion, the most popular being that he just threw down his shit and walked off. Many of the versions had him from Delta Company; some versions had him from 1st Batt or 4th Batt. I think each Batt had a deserter that was in fact a ghost. I figured the story was all horse shit and meant to shit-scare the rest of the studs away from such thoughts.
Suffering through those combat briefings at the Tactical Operations Center given by a Major who had never been in the field, we were constantly given the caution to keep an eye out for the deserter. Oh, and you‘ll love this… he was blond so he should be easy to spot. And, he was average weight and height so he should be bigger than the boys running around in sandals wearing shorts and sunscreen. Personally I don‘t think there was a deserter.
There is another story as well. The troopers had called the Battalion TOC and told them they had captured the deserter… Doo Dah. Those same MP‘s with the 74 ―DR‘s‖ wanted to shackle-drag my ass all the way to 2nd Platoon, Charlie, Kontum, February 1968 Long Bing Junction. (continued….)
2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 41 of 51 Aussies + Beer = Elephant
Sometime after Cpt. Sutton took over Bravo, he came to me and said, "You look like you are getting a little crazy. Tomorrow morning you will report to your battery and go to Saigon."
Somehow I found a khaki uniform that did not look too bad and went to the Battery where the Battery commander was checking out his First Sergeant. The captain asked him, "Well Sarge, what are you going to do in town?” The First Sergeant was a short, husky, tough little guy named Martinez ( I think). The First Sergeant replied, "I‟m going to drink all their whiskey and fuck all their women, Sir!" The battery commander just rolled his eyes.
This was one of the early trips and we went into town in 2nd Platoon Charlie, An Lao Valley, September 1968 an armed convoy of several deuce and half trucks and a couple of jeeps. I wandered around and eventually ended up on the roof of the Caravel Hotel. I had a fabulous lunch of lobster (crayfish) with a wonderful old French wine, served in a Crystal decanter. While eating I watched a couple of Sky Raiders strafe and bomb a target several miles south of the city. They must have hit a huge supply depot as there was a ball of fire, then almost a mushroom cloud.
As we assembled for the ride back home, two troopers came around the corner leading a baby elephant. The NCOIC, I think it was one of the Sergeant Majors, told them that the elephant was not going with us. The troopers whined that they had spent all their money on him and could not leave him. Good fortune appeared, as 2nd Platoon Charlie, Bong Son Area, July 1968 two Aussie troopers stumbled onto the scene. They were soon convinced that they needed an elephant. The last I saw of them they were standing in the street with empty pockets and an elephant between them.
Upon return to the unit, the artillery First Sergeant reported to the battery commander with a snappy salute and a "Mission accomplished Sir!" With that, he kneeled face forward into a mud puddle about 4 inches deep. Everyone was laughing, but after a while I noticed that his face was still under water, so I dragged him out feet first and dropped him on dry land. I understand that he survived and I never was given any recognition for saving a First Sergeant.
When I got back to B Company Sgt. Howe was forming up to take his squad out on a night ambush patrol. I put on my stuff and went with him. As luck would have it we had contact with a small group of VC, killing several 3rd Platoon Charlie, Kontum Area, February 1968 of them. Then their buddies decided to mortar us a little. By dawn it had been an interesting 24 hours. Gary Prisk, Capt. Jim Robinson, FO, B/2/503d CO C/2/503d (continued….) [email protected] 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 42 of 51 The Non R&R As I recovered on the 2nd floor ward of that hospital for It was some date in June '66 when I left Bien Hoa en- nearly a month before being returned to Camp Zinn, I route to Saigon to catch a flight to Okinawa for would often wonder about my SF brother and his airport R&R. My Vietnam vet Sneaky Pete older brother, Bob, Geisha girls. Sadly, I never did get R&R during my year was waiting for me at the airport there and, according to in-country (I think Wayne Bowers took mine), and to him, he was accompanied by two lovely young ladies of this day I credit that fact to my having been too critical Japanese persuasion who were more than prepared to to the war effort to warrant one. Those island girls must entertain the traveling RTO -- assuming, of course, be pushin' 70 today, which means I still have a shot at the radio operator had saved enough entertainment dating them, if I could just catch a flight to Okinawa. money. I didn‘t think it was language classes they had Lew "Smitty" Smith in mind either. HHC/2/503d, '65-'66
Arriving Tan Son Nhut Showers at English! Airport I was disappointed I was stunned when I heard it. Seven months before to learn there was no when our company trucked into LZ English in Bong Son space available on the from An Khe, English was just getting started. Hell, the stand-by flight to the latrine was just a long trench. Now inside showers. So, island, and I would have minutes after stepping off the Huey that brought me and to spend the evening in my company in from the boonies for a week of Saigon occupying myself relaxation and before I was detailed for bunker duty, with cultural activities K.P. or the creme de la creme duty of the fighting until a flight out the infantryman, "burning shit," I headed off for the showers following day. tent. It was better than great this shower and while toweling off in came a guy I knew from A.I.T. in Grabbing a taxi to down- Georgia. He greeted me like a brother and we talked of town Saigon I found the the others we trained with and what happened to them. cultural center of the city He ran off a few names he knew who were KIA, and along Tu Do Street. In Saigon cultural center in 1966 when he said the name Carter, I screamed ―NO!” one of the many bars there along Tu Do Street. I happened to meet a sailor Gregory Carter befriended me when I felt so alone on and an air force guy, and we hooked-up for the evening - my arrival at Fort Gordon for two months of jungle it was like a scene right out of some 1940's movie with training. He would read me letters he got from his Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, without the dancing and girlfriend because I didn't have one. He told me often singing. Unbelievable as it may seem, we all met and that he was going to make it through Vietnam and get fell in love with three lovely young ladies, these of the back to her. I couldn't believe it when I heard he was Vietnamese persuasion, who were kind enough to invite killed. I slowly walked back to the company area and the three of us back to their home which looked not put in for R&R. A week later I was flying into Sydney, unlike a hotel with one large room and three beds. Australia. Somehow, the army, air force and navy survived that night of cultural awakening, but this RTO awoke the I checked out places to go as soon as I got to my hotel. next morning with severe chest pains. I was rushed to First night there I caught a taxi out to a ranch house for 3rd Field Hospital nearby where the docs determined I an evening of horseback riding. I met a girl there who had a bad case of pneumonia -- damn cultural centers! filled the rest of my days there. We did something different each day and we ended each day with a kiss in my hotel. Though she told me right off she would not sleep with me she did give me a "Forest Gump" moment on my last night there.
And like Forest, I too got dizzy. I left Jennette and Australia the next morning and on the plane I realized that she had taken my mind off Vietnam and Gregory's death. I will never forget him, but for that one week I was happy to not think about him and war. Thank you Jennette! continued….) Working girls in Saigon, 1966. Sign: Please Pay When Served 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 43 of 51 Hey Jude The next day, I called back to the ranch to get her The minute you let her under your skin phone number. She was surprised that I'd called her Then you begin to make it better…. back because she didn‘t think that we really hit it off that well.
Horses were my first love, from the time I was 6, but I did no more riding that week. Instead, Jeanette showed me around the city. I especially loved the Taronga Zoo on Sydney Harbor. And everywhere we went I kept hearing the hit song of the moment: the Beatles' Hey Jude.
I was more of a country-Western guy. We never stopped to listen or talk about the song, but it played in the background all week long. I flew back to Nam with the song playing in his head and the memory of a chaste Ed in Vietnam goodbye kiss on the lips. But I had to put that out of my mind. I like this photo because it shows LZ English down below, the Tiger Mountains to the right (which we We were out in the field a lot. We had to be on our toes, practically lived in for the year), and behind me is the and I just couldn't let my mind wander back to home and South China Sea. Australia. Even though Jeanette wrote me and I wrote her, as soon as you read it, you put it in your pocket, It was the death of a friend in Vietnam that finally your backpack or whatever and just get back to what you pushed me to enlist in the Army. I knew I would were doing. I knew I had to get her out of my mind. probably get drafted, but after going to the funeral of my friend from high school, I just decided, well, I should do When I returned to Arizona, though, I bought the song, my part. and even today that na-na-na chorus will take me back to my week in Australia. It's the combination of bitter and After seven months of ground fighting with the infantry sweet that stays with you forever. of the 173d Airborne, the loss of another friend made me feel like I‘d done enough. I needed a vacation. For a few years after my tour of duty, I wrote and called, but eventually Jeanette pointed out that there was a wide A yearlong tour came with one week of R&R. The ocean between us. I told her, "You're right. You'll Army offered a trip to Thailand, but more than anything, always be on my mind, but I probably should just let you this Arizona kid wanted to ride horses again. That meant go.” Australia. Ed Swauger They only wanted the officers and the married people to B/2/503d go to Australia and Hawaii, so it was a little bit of a battle for a couple of days before they would let me go. Gregory Carter I just told 'em, “Hey, that's where I'm going, and if not Sergeant I‟m going back to my unit.” D CO, 1ST BN, 503RD INFANTRY, 173RD ABN BDE, USARV I flew into Sydney in October 1968 and picked a hotel at Army of the United States random from the list I was provided. The Army also Columbus, Ohio offered an itinerary of activities, and the next day I was November 21, 1946 to September 23, 1968 at a private ranch for a horse ride and evening dance GREGORY CARTER is on the Wall with eight other GIs, all of them strangers. at Panel 43W Line 068
At age 20 and a combat veteran, I was still as shy as a [Ed is a retired mail handler in Tempe, AZ. He has self- school kid and found myself sitting alone while the other published a book about his wartime experiences, Earning soldiers mingled with the local girls who had been the CIB: The Making of a Soldier in Vietnam, Whitehall invited to keep them company. I was about to call a taxi Publishing, 2005] when a tall blonde in a pretty dress asked me to (continued….) dance.
I was pretty doggone nervous. I got embarrassed ‗cause I 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 don‘t dance. Page 44 of 51 Excuse me Sir, but may I pretty please at and one of them asked if I knew who I just removed from my seat. I said I didn‘t and they informed me that have my seat back? it was an officer. I turned around and looked at the guy; I had only been in-country three months when our it was a rear echelon butter-bar Lieutenant who just sergeant had us lined up and was calling off allocations lowered his head. I turned back to the guys sitting next for R&R destinations. He called one allocation for Japan to me and informed them what the stewardess had said and nobody responded, so kiddingly I said I‘d go. about getting into the same seats we had when we landed Several weeks later my sergeant said to grab my gear and that she had more rank than anyone else in the and get to the LZ, that I was going to Japan. Well I get plane. I looked over at the Lt. Colonels and they were to Japan and end up in the hospital with malaria, had laughing their asses off. Hey, I was a drunken 19 year something to do with all the booze I drank the first night old paratrooper!! there breaking down my resistance. The only good thing Ray “Zac” Zaccone about that was that I missed June 22, 1967. C/2/503d
After Hill 875 there was hardly anyone in the company that had been in-country long enough so I acquired an R&R to Japan. When I got to Cam Ranh Bay I heard 173d Airborne Brigade that they had just opened Australia for R&R, so when I laid my orders for R&R to Japan down in front of the Memorial Memorabilia clerk I asked what are my chances of going to Australia The 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial instead, he just pulled out a stamp and stamped my Foundation has several Memorial Memorabilia items orders for Australia. I and two other E-4s were on stand- for sale. Order early for Christmas! by for a flight to Australia, so when they started calling off names they loaded the plane by rank. They called 173d Memorial Medallions in Copper Nickel and two Lt. Colonels and then me and the two other E-4s and Antique Brass Finish. then other officers, NCO‘s and enlisted men. I was the Souvenir 173d Memorial Bricks. third man on the plane so I took the window seat on the left and the two E-4s sat next to me and the Lt. Colonels DVD‘s of the memorial dedication and two signed "Day were in the front seats on the right. We had a nice flight of Honor" Guitars. to Darwin, they even showed a movie, Mary Poppins, of all movies to show a plane load of soldiers going on Limited supply of hard hats and entrenching tools used R&R. at the groundbreaking ceremony in June of 2008. Any reasonable offer will be considered on these two items. When we landed in Darwin to refuel and then on to Sydney we had an hour lay-over. The stewardess said All monies raised from the sale of these that when we got back on the plane that we were items will go to the perpetual care of the supposed to get in the same seats that we had when we landed. So we all headed for the airport lounge and 173d Airborne Brigade National started pounding down beers as fast as we could get Memorial. them. Well, being out in the field we didn‘t get our hands on very much beer and when we did it was 3.2% If you need further information please contact: and Australia beer is like 8 or 9 %. So I staggered back Craig Ford, Treasurer to the plane, stumbled up the steps and made it to my 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation. seat only to find someone sitting in my seat. I informed Email: [email protected] the guy that he was in my seat and that the stewardess Cell Phone: 425 422-7976 said same seats that you had when we landed, he still Address: 17207 76th Avenue West didn‘t move. Then the fact that I was a 19 year old Edmonds, WA 98026 paratrooper who has been out in the boonies for months and who was drunk took over. I informed him in so many words that if he didn‘t get out of my seat I was going to remove him myself, he still didn‘t move. So I “After 60, if you don't wake made a move towards him with the intention of bodily up aching in every joint, removing him from my seat, but before I even got one step towards him he got out of my seat and went back to you're probably dead.” his own seat. I sat down in my seat and looked at the two guys sitting next to me, who were looking at me wide eyes. I asked them what the hell they were looking 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 45 of 51 173d Awarded Presidential Unit large amounts of equipment. He was instrumental in stopping a daylight sapper attack on the Naval Supply Citation (Navy) in 1973 Activity (Ammunition Dump) in downtown Da Nang. He killed and wounded several sappers, and helped the (This article is an edited reproduction of a story prepared Marine and Air Force Military Police capture the by Ray Ramirez of Chapter X and published in the surviving sapper squad members. Summer 1998 [Volume XIII, No. 3] edition of Sky Soldier.) While Sky Soldiers provided protection to the Da Nang The 173d Airborne Brigade earned its share of region, no mortar or rocket attacks were launched individual and unit awards in Vietnam, including a against either the sprawling Da Nang Air base or the oil Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit tanks in the Hai Van Pass; additionally, the Namo Commendation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Bridge remained intact. Shortly after Task Force Healy One award, however, has largely been overlooked or departed the Da Nang area, the VC blew up the Namo forgotten with the passage of time. Task Force Healy, Bridge, severely inhibiting north-south traffic, and created from various elements of the 173d Airborne rocket and mortar attacks resumed on Da Nang Air Base. Brigade, received the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) in 1973. GENERAL ORDERS NO. 32 HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Task Force Healy was composed of 173d units, with the WASHINGTON, DC primary force being the 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry 24 September 1973 (which was commanded by LTC Michael D. Healy). th th Joining the 4 Battalion were five helicopter of the 335 (Extract) Aviation Detachment, Battery B, 3-319th Field Artillery, elements from 1st Platoon, E Troop, 17th Cavalry, a PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY). Award platoon from the 173d Engineer Company, individuals of the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) for periods from the 173d Military Intelligence Detachment, indicated is confirmed in accordance with paragraph elements from the 173d Scout Dog Detachment, and 194,AR 672-5-1. elements from the 505th Forward Air Control Team. 355th Aviation Detachment (Note: The units are identified from GO 32 and do not Battery B, 3d Battalion, 319th Artillery accurately reflect the correct title of the Scout Dog Troop E, 1st Platoon, 17th Cavalry Platoon assigned to the Brigade.) 173d Engineer Platoon 173d Military Intelligence Detachment This task force was pulled out of Operation Attleboro, 173d Military Police Detachment being conducted by the Brigade in the area of Dau Tieng 173d Scout Dog Detachment and the Michelin Rubber Plantation in early October, 505th Forward Air Control Team 1966. It deployed north on short notice to reinforce the th rd 4 Battalion, 503d Infantry (For the period 7 October 3 Marine Division in the Da Nang area of I Corps, and 1966 to 4 December 1966) came under the operational control of the Third Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF), headquartered in Da Nang ―The President of the United States takes pleasure in and commanded by LTG Lewis Walt. presenting the
Task Force Healy made history on 7 October 1966 by PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION becoming the first Army ground combat unit to operate TO THE THIRD MARINE DIVISION in I Corps. Line elements of the task force conducted (REINFORCED) squad and platoon size patrols and ambushes, and maintained mountain top security for Marine Hawk for service as set forth in the following CITATION: missile batteries as well as security for the Namo Bridge on Highway I. During their tour in I Corps, the For extraordinary heroism and outstanding paratroopers of the 173d Airborne Brigade lived in old performance of duty in action against the North French forts, fishing villages, the Hai Van Pass, Flames Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the Republic OP, Burnt Hill, and Marble Mountain (where they of Vietnam from 8 March 1965 to 15 September 1967. protected a Naval Academy Heisman Trophy winner (continued….) The sadness from Sky Soldier KIA‘s was mitigated in part by incidents of bravery. A member of the Military Police squad was awarded the Silver Star for breaking 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 up a roadside ambush. The Headquarters S-2 Clerk/ Page 46 of 51 Driver was awarded the Silver Star for saving lives and Throughout this period, the Third Marine Division ~ A Football Game ~ (Reinforced), operating in the five northern most provinces of the Republic of Vietnam, successfully It was in the fall of 1964 the 2nd Bat HQC was stationed executed its threefold mission of occupying and at Camp Kue Okinawa. If we were not in the field defending key terrain, seeking out and destroying the training we would have A&R (Athletic Recreation) on enemy, and conducting an intensive pacification Wednesday afternoons. Most generally this meant we program. Operating in an area bordered by over 200 were off so it came to be known as Alcohol and miles of South China Sea coastline, the mountainous Romance. We would head for the EM Club at Kadena Laotian border, and the Demilitarized Zone, the Third AFB, Sukuran EM Club, or up Jagaru Hill to some off Marine Division (Reinforced) successfully executed limits bars. This is where the romance came in. One eighty major combat operations, carrying the battle to Wednesday afternoon two Lieutenant platoon leaders, the enemy, destroying many of his forces, and capturing both football players, one from West Point and the other thousands of tons of weapons and materiel. In addition from the University of Alabama, decided their platoons to these major operations, more than 125,000 offensive needed to play a football game. There was beer, lots of counter guerrilla actions, ranging from squad patrols and beer, bet on this game. Since we were paratroopers and ambushes to company-sized search and destroy not legs that sissy touch or flag football was out of the operations, were conducted in both the costal rice lands question, we played full contact tackle football. Need- and the mountainous jungle inland. These bitterly less to say the only football equipment we had was a contested actions routed the enemy from his well- football. The two LTs were the quarterbacks and as the entrenched positions, denied him access to his source of afternoon progressed it became the goal to smash the food, restricted his freedom of movement, and removed other side‘s smartass LT into the rocky turf of Kue. This his influence from the heavily populated areas. In mission was accomplished more than once and the LTs numerous operations, the Third Marine Division were good sports about it. The two platoon Sgts were (Reinforced) demonstrated the great efficacy of referees and pretty much forgot about the rules. There combined operations with units of the Army of the was blood, bruises, a few loose teeth, along with several Republic of Vietnam. In July 1966, the Third Marine fist fights that erupted during the game. The West Division (Reinforced) moved to the north to counter Pointer had to buy the beer which eased some of the pain major elements of the North Vietnamese Army moving resulting from the game. There were some pretty good across the Demilitarized Zone into the Province of injuries and I don‘t know if the two LTs got their asses Quang Tri; its units fought a series of savage battles chewed or not but orders came down that there would be against the enemy, repeatedly distinguishing themselves no more football games of that nature. and, time and again, forcing the enemy to retreat across Rick Jerman the Demilitarized Zone. Imbued with an unrelenting HHC/2/503d combat spirit and initiative and undeterred by heavy hostile artillery and mortar fire, extremely difficult terrain, incessant heat and monsoon rains, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), employing courageous ground, heliborne and amphibious assaults, complemented by intense and accurate air, artillery, and naval gunfire support, inflicted great losses on the enemy and denied him the political and military victory he sought to achieve at any cost. The outstanding courage, resourcefulness, and aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) in battle after battle against a well- equipped and well-trained enemy, often numerically superior in strength, and the great Rick and buddies. humanitarianism constantly shown to the people of the Republic of Vietnam, reflect great credit upon the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Page 47 of 51 New Miramar National Cemetery Opens Providing Burials for Area Veterans and Family
Members Department of Veterans Affairs For Immediate Release: Contact: Meredith McFadden 619-422-5963 begins payment for new Agent Orange Claims San Diego, CA – Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego officially opened today by providing its first VA Department of Veterans Affairs burials of veterans and family members at the new Office of Public Affairs facility. Media Relations Washington, DC 20420 “This is an eventful day for the veterans of San Diego 202-461-7600 and Imperial Counties,” said Congressman Bob Filner, NEWS RELEASE Chairman of the House Veterans‘ Affairs Committee. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “It is reassuring for thousands of the brave men and November 1, 2010 women who have served our country to know that they will find a final resting place with dignity and honor VA Begins Paying Benefits for New close to home.” Agent Orange Claims – VA Military honors at the opening ceremony included a rifle encourages Affected Vietnam salute and the playing of ―Taps.‖ Acting Under Veterans to File Claims Secretary for Memorial Affairs Steve Muro gave remarks and was joined by VA and local officials in the WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs interment of cremated remains. Casket burial options (VA) has begun distributing disability benefits to will be available in early 2011. Vietnam Veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules for Agent Orange exposure. Congressman Filner has worked for years with other members of the San Diego congressional delegation to “The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a establish a satellite veterans‘ cemetery, an annex to commitment to provide Vietnam Veterans with nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery which closed treatment and compensation for the long-term health to casket burials in 1966. Although it stays active with effects of herbicide exposure,” said Secretary of casketed interments of family members of those Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. currently interred and inurnments of cremated remains, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery will soon run out of Up to 200,000 Vietnam Veterans are potentially eligible Crematorium niches. to receive VA disability compensation for medical conditions recently associated with Agent Orange. The Property at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was expansion of coverage involves B-cell (or hairy-cell) dedicated as the Miramar National Cemetery on January leukemia, Parkinson‘s disease and ischemic heart 30, 2010. When completed, the 313-acre Miramar disease. Shinseki said VA has launched a variety of National Cemetery will offer in-ground gravesites for initiatives – both technological and involving better caskets and cremated remains as well as a columbarium, business practices – to tackle an anticipated upsurge in providing a full range of burial alternatives to Agent Orange-related claims. “These initiatives show approximately 235,000 Veterans in the San Diego VA‟s ongoing resolve to modernize its processes for County area. Riverside National Cemetery, located handling claims through automation and improvements approximately 90 miles from San Diego, was until now in doing business, providing Veterans with faster and the nearest national cemetery offering full burial options. more accurate decisions on their applications for benefits,” Shinseki said. [Sent in by Nick Aguilar, C/HHC/1/503d]
(continued….)
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Providing initial payments – or increases to existing in the cab, their feet up on the lowered windshield, and payments – to the 200,000 Veterans who now qualify for an E4 with an elephant gun sat on top the load. A couple disability compensation for these three conditions is of gun jeeps were parked in a casual perimeter in the expected to take several months, but VA officials clearing, and everyone was either napping or enjoying encourage all Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to their versions of military cuisine. Agent Orange and suffer from one of the three diseases to make sure their applications have been submitted.
VA has offered Veterans exposed to Agent Orange special access to health care since 1978, and priority medical care since 1981. VA has been providing disability compensation to Veterans with medical problems related to Agent Orange since 1985. In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a ―presumed‖ illness do not have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service.
This ―presumption‖ simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits. The three new illnesses – B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson‘s disease and ischemic heart disease – are added to the list of presumed illnesses previously recognized by VA. Other recognized illnesses under VA‘s ―presumption‖ rule for Agent Orange are: • Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Mark Carter, LRRP extraordinaire. Neuropathy • Chloracne Our team had sort of spread out along a line of bushes • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia near the truck with our C-rats, and generally were • Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) approving of not having to walk anywhere carrying our • Hodgkin‘s Disease basic load. • Multiple Myeloma • Non-Hodgkin‘s Lymphoma The E4‘s name escapes me just now, but he was newly • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda promoted, as I remember. He fussed with his web gear • Prostate Cancer and got it all adjusted, made himself a bully seat on top • Respiratory Cancers some of the boxes, and butted the elephant gun on his • Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, thigh. I watched him break it open to check the load, Chondrosarcoma, then snap it shut with that well-practiced flip used by Kaposi‘s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma) guys who need to shoot the damned thing at real targets, • AL Amyloidosis using the famous flip, thumb off the safety, aim and fire drill. Except of course he wasn‘t in a firefight so all he Veterans interested in applying for disability had to do was load the thing and make sure the safety compensation under one of the three new Agent Orange was on. presumptives should go to www.fasttrack.va.gov or call Now, what happened next was perfectly reasonable, if 1-800-827-1000. stupid, and I know we‘ve all done it one form or another: he looked at the safety on the elephant gun, and for a With the Aussies at Song Be moment he didn‘t remember if it was supposed to be April, 1966 forward or back, or whether he‘d reflexively moved it when he snapped the gun shut. So, naturally, he tested We were running missions in the hills north of Song Be the trigger. Sure enough, his thumb had been doing the in conjunction with a mob of Aussies. We had come off thinking that time, and a sharp BLAM! announced to a series of patrols, and were assigned to pull security for everyone in the clearing that an M-79 shot was out. th one of 319 ‘s howitzers on some sort of Eagle flight. (continued….) While we waited for the gun to show up, we sat in the shade near a couple of three-quarters that had been loaded to above the side rails with food and ammo, and 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 covered with a tarp. The driver and his shotgun man sat Page 49 of 51 Everyone in the clearing froze. I looked over at my TL. ~ OOPS! Another Correction ~ He looked at me. I glanced around at the rest of my team. We all looked at the E4 on top the three-quarter. G'day from Australia, By this time, every eyeball in the clearing was trained on the E4 on top the truck. Now, being highly trained I always look forward to reading each issue of the professionals, we all took the time to notice that his newsletter. weapon was still pointed almost straight up, and he was contemplating the tree canopy directly above him, I read with interest your article on the Australian through which his HE round had threaded itself, hitting insertion into New Guinea on 5 September 1943, nary a leaf or branch in its passage. I guess time was when Australian Gunners and their 25 PDR guns went in standing still, because we had plenty of time to get to our support of US troops of the 503rd Infantry at Nadzab, feet and run around in the clearing a bit before we New Guinea in 1943. decided to get under the truck. Not easy, because we One small point that needs correction is; it was not 24 had our rucksacks on. I was vaguely aware of the truck hours after they were inserted before the first round was driver and shotgun man trying to squeeze in among us. fired, it was 2 hours. This information is recorded at the Well, first come first served, but all were welcome. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia. After a while a loud BLAM! outside the clearing informed us that the M-79 round wouldn‘t be landing Keep up the great work getting information to the troops among us, so we crawled out from under the truck—this on health and what has happened to Veterans after their also not easy, on account of the rucksacks and all—and retirement. we went back to eating our C-rats. Sid Cheeseman, AM PJ Chapter XI Downunder A few minutes later an Aussie senior NCO and his driver came stomping up to the clearing, and the senior NCO wanted to know who had fired off that round. That‘s not exactly how he put it, but I couldn‘t really make out the individual words, on account of the way his vocal chords actually put out sound at two or three different frequencies at the same time, and, too, there‘s that accent, you know. The NCO did a lot of arm-flapping, which actually got the message across pretty well. Somebody pointed out the E-4 who was still sitting on top the truck, looking at his elephant gun like it was a third hand or something. Before the NCO actually climbed up on the truck one of the officers arrived to see what all the hubbub was about.
Fortunately all that was damaged was one of those funny-looking little jeeps the Aussies drove, which now 33 Artillerymen of the 2/4th Field Regiment, under the was missing a front tire, quarter-panel, and part of an command of Lt. Pearson, participated in the paratroop drop axle. After a while the Aussies got calmed down, and over Nadzab, 5 September 1943. AMW 030141/24 Photo courtesy the officer was able to get a Chinook laid on to haul the of the 503rd PRCT Heritage Battalion web site. Aussie jeep back to Bien Hoa. I heard the cherry E4 got to be a cherry E3, but that might have been just a rumor. Port Moresby, 1943. A gunner adjusts a War usually is actually hell, but sometimes it‘s just heck. parachute before the Take care, Australian airborne artillerymen and their Mark Carter guns -- dismantled 173d LRRP, „65-„66 and attached to parachutes -- join the ~ Hooking Up ~ transport planes which took them over Do anyone of you have contact info for my good buddy the Markham Valley. AWM 015701. LT Art Fumerton? I last saw him in California in 1967. He was in A Co. and later in Recon. Thanks! 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / December 2010 – Issue 22 Jack Owens, A/B/2/503d Page 50 of 51 [email protected] A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, “I've not seen my own son in more than a while, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.” My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. Transforming the yard to a winter delight. “I can live through the cold and the being alone, away from my family, my house and my home.” The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. “I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. I can carry the weight of killing another, In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, or lay down my life with my sister and brother, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. who stand at the front against any and all, to ensure for all time that this flag will not fall." The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the your family is waiting and I'll be all right." sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast? And I crept to the door just to see who was near. It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget. Perhaps a Sky Soldier, huddled here in the cold. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. For when we come home, either standing or dead, to know you remember we fought and we bled. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear, Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! that we mattered to you as you mattered to us." Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, ~ Author unknown ~ You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, [Thanks to Paul Fisher 3/503d for sending this in] Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said, "It’s really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night. It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.”
“No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at 'Pearl’ on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers." My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is my turn and so, here I am. ~ Merry Christmas Sky Soldiers ~
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